Forest fires continue to gut green wealth
Despite the efforts of the Forest Department and local residents, devastating forest fires have been raging across the Kangra valley for the past week, causing extensive damage to forest wealth. Almost every forest in the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh is affected, leading to the destruction of vast green cover and a rise in carbon emissions.
A visit by The Tribune team revealed pine forests spread over hundreds of acres engulfed in flames. Villagers and forest officials were seen trying to control the fires using water tanks and extinguishers. Despite their hard work, the situation appears grim, with little sign of an effective disaster management strategy from either the state or Central Government.
A senior forest department official acknowledged that most of the fires were “man-made,” and noted that dry weather and rising temperatures during the pre-monsoon season make forests highly susceptible. In response to the crisis, the state government has set up control rooms in divisional forest offices. These are equipped with mobile phones, wireless systems, and vehicles fitted with water tanks. Leaves of forest field staff have been canceled, and fire watchers have been deployed in sensitive areas.
Volunteer teams have also been formed in each division and are working closely with forest officials. Villagers living near forest areas have been asked not to burn pastures within 500 metres of the forest boundary and to immediately report any fire outbreaks to the control rooms.
Experts point to climate change as a key factor. A senior scientist from Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University explained that periodic rainfall helps keep the forest vegetation moist, reducing fire risk. However, increasing heat and dry spells have led to more frequent and intense fires. He also noted that in April and May, locals often burn dry grass to encourage fresh growth after the monsoon, which sometimes spirals into uncontrolled forest fires.
While small fires are a natural part of forest ecosystems, the current frequency and scale of the blazes are alarming. Urgent steps are needed to strengthen fire prevention strategies and create a comprehensive disaster management plan to protect these ecologically rich forests.
