Dehradun: The wildfires in Uttarakhand are indeed a cause of concern now. This fire season the number of total deaths has been reached to six while one and half months are still left in the fire season coming to an end. This is the highest number of deaths due to forest fires in the state after 2016. Within the past 24 hours, 68 new incidents have been reported, resulting in the destruction of approximately 120 hectares of forest area. This fire season has witnessed a total of 998 incidents, consuming a staggering 1317 hectares of forest land till now.
It is a serious matter of concern that so far many people have lost their lives in this fire season. This is the highest number of deaths due to forest fire in the state since 2016.There were a total of six deaths during the entire forest season in 2016. But the state has witnessed six deaths this year in the middle of the fire season. In the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, two deaths were reported each year. While one death was reported in 2019. In 2017 and 2018, no deaths were reported due to the forest fires in the state. The picture is more frightening this year as six people have lost their lives when forest season is yet to come to an end.
In Uttarakhand, a total 390 cases have been registered against the people responsible for setting fire in the forest areas. In recent years, the state has never seen more than 100 lawsuits against the anti-forest elements in a season. Whereas this year more than 60 people have been identified and arrested for arson. Strangely, police have also arrested some people who set the fire in the forest to make the reel for likes and comments on social media.
The forest fires in Uttarakhand have been relentless, consuming vast swathes of precious woodland. On Tuesday, within the past 24 hours, 68 new incidents have been reported, resulting in the destruction of approximately 120 hectares of forest area. Since November, over 1300 hectares of forests have been gutted in 998 fire incidents. Unfortunately, the fires continue to ravage the green cover of this Himalayan hill state. Moreover, the states’ forest department has suffered a massive revenue loss of more than Rs 27 lakh due to the fires this year.
Amid ravaging forest fires, the destruction of forests disrupts ecosystems, affecting soil health, water cycles, and wildlife habitats. Many plant and animal species face displacement or even extinction due to the loss of their natural environment. Furthermore, the rich biodiversity of Uttarakhand is under threat as rare and endemic species may be lost forever if their habitats are destroyed. Beyond the environmental consequences, forest fires also impact local economies. Timber, non-timber forest products, and tourism revenue are affected.
The smoke and particulate matter released during forest fires degrade air quality. Forest fires release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This exacerbates climate change by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This can have adverse effects on human health, especially for those with respiratory conditions. As per the research conducted by the environment department, Doon university in Chamoli district, the amount of carbon in the hills has increased eight times in the last ten days. According to Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, member secretary, state pollution control board, “In January, AQI levels in the cities in hill ranges were recorded good to moderate. Now in the month of May it has reached moderate to poor conditions. The forest fires are the main reason behind this air quality degradation.”
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