There is a need to review forest law as people’s rights and connection to forests are over
Posted Date – Mon, 3/27/23 at 12:30pm
By Nripendra Abhishek Nrip
Hyderabad: Smoke from forest fires kills more than 200,000 people worldwide prematurely every year. Climate change is exacerbating droughts and heat waves around the world. This nearly doubles the area where sparks can ignite dry vegetation and cause catastrophic damage. As a result, frequent wildfires around the world are increasing in size and intensity, and smog seasons are getting longer.
The fires are once again putting forests and wildlife at risk. Forests in the state of Goa have been burning since the beginning of this month. The entire Mahathir Wildlife Sanctuary is charred and it will take at least five years to return to normal. According to the 2021 Indian Forest Survey, 7,33,625 square kilometers of forests have been burned in the past 13 years – a ten-fold increase in the past 20 years, which is a cause for concern.
artificial
From November 2021 to June 2022, 223,333 fire incidents were reported, while from January 2022 to March 2022, 136,604 fire incidents were reported. This year through March, 42,799 places have been destroyed by fire. Among them, 627 were major incidents. In most places, fire accidents are caused by humans. According to a report, 1359.83 hectares of land were affected in the past six months.
Forest fires in Uttarakhand are an annual disaster in which human disturbance is believed to be the main cause. Hundreds of hectares of forest have been destroyed in the fires, which has resulted in a huge loss of biodiversity, the environment and wildlife.
Such catastrophic fires also contribute to air pollution. Wildfire smoke contains dozens of different types of particles, such as soot and chemicals. These include carbon monoxide, but one of the biggest concerns of air quality experts is PM 2.5, the fine particulate matter found in smog. The WWF reports that 60 percent of species have been wiped out between 1970 and 2014. On the one hand, we are trying to protect biosafety and the environment on the world stage, and on the other hand, there is the destruction of living things and the environment caused by man-made fires in forests.
It takes three things to start a fire—fuel, oxygen, and heat. Even sparks from train wheels can spark raging fires during the height of the summer drought. Sometimes, fires occur naturally. The fire was started by overheating or lightning. According to forest fire officials from the Uttarakhand forest department, 98 percent of forest fires are human-caused. Villagers often set fire to the ground in the forest to remove fallen leaves or dry grass so that new grass can grow. The blaze can become uncontrollable once it breaks out, as has been seen this year.
deforestation
In areas of the world where rotational agriculture is practiced, forests are cut and burned. Many nearby forests were burned as a result. In some places, forest mafia groups actively burn forests for their own benefit. Set fires in the name of eliminating evidence of wildlife smugglers or failed plantations. In addition to this, it is easy to get contracts for commercial deforestation in the name of dry trees by burning the forest dry.
Most fires occur in pine forests due to pine leaves (pirul) and bark. The released chemical resin is highly flammable. If there is a fire in these forests, whether intentional or not, it will burn quickly. In Uttarakhand, 16-17% of the forest is pine trees, which are believed to be the main cause of forest fires.
the other side
However, forest fires are not the only ones that cause damage. It also has some benefits. This helps preserve biodiversity, as well as regenerate grass and shrubland habitats. Naturally occurring wildfires also remove old vegetation, providing nutrients. Not only that, but these fires allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, which helps small plants and seeds grow.
If we want to save forests, then we must understand our forest ecosystems. Whether it is a pine forest or other forests, rainwater harvesting takes place everywhere. If there is moisture in and around the forest, then native vegetation will automatically begin to flourish and groundwater will increase. The main cause of forest fires is the loss of contact between local people and the forest.
update association
There is a need to review forest laws because people’s rights and connection to forests are over. People who live near forests should be responsible for the environment so that when a fire breaks out, they should be ready to fight it. Give more forest responsibilities to the villages, empower them, and start to put out fires as soon as they occur, instead of waiting for the forestry department.
Besides that, when a forest is on fire, a special tool is used to help check parameters like temperature and wind speed. Sufficient foresters should also be designated to monitor the situation so that swift action can be taken to stop it. Flammable foliage should not be scattered in forests. The government should promote the alternative use of leaves such as pine needles.
The Ministry should ensure that the Forestry Department has better means of wireless communication. Adequate funding should be provided to the forestry sector for the care and protection of forests. If forest fires are not contained early on, they can become a widespread hazard as they damage not only flora but also wildlife. As we create treaties and laws to protect biodiversity, we also need strong laws to protect forests.
