Forest fire management policy in Uttaranchal state

Abstract

Fires are damaging large forest areas in Uttaranchal state at every 3-4 years interval. In addition to various ill effects to the environment, these fires hamper the tourism industry, which is the backbone of state's economy. But, estimates of financial losses and affected forest area by forest fires are sketchy and unreliable. In absence of proper database, it is also not possible to have clear-cut forest fire management policies. The research reveals that paucity of funds as well as untimely release of funds is the major hurdles in the fire management. Inadequate implementation of prescription of Forest Management Plan; ban on green felling in hills; use of forest vehicles and forest staff for works other than forestry; lack of direction in forestry research and monitoring program; inadequate people's participation etc. have exacerbated the problem of fires in the forests. Forest officials accept that forest fire reporting is not reliable. Officially reported forest area damaged by fires is 42 pct. of likely damaged forest area. Main reasons for low reporting of forest fires are fear of disciplinary action and difficulty in assessment. Further, records reveal that 65 pct. to 80 pct. of total damaged forest area is Pine area in Uttaranchal state. Analysis of perception of forest officials and public reveals that most important causes of Forest fires are1. Burning of forest floor / Pine needles by people to get good fodder in the monsoon months.2. Throwing of live matchstick or Cigarette / Bidi butts by passer-by carelessly in forest area. International experiences advocate the use of modern technology for fire damage assessment and fire weather forecasting in India. Public awareness and their motivation and research on scientific and socio-economic aspects are also necessary input for future strategy on dealing forest fires. Research findings suggest that existing forest policy and fire management initiatives have not been able to address the problem of forest fires in the country. Management practices and other interventions are also inadequate. Policy interventions needed to address the present forest fire situation and to meet future complexities and challenges have also been discussed in the final chapter.