Uttarakhand’s Forest Fire Crisis: A Call for Action

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a crucial step towards addressing the alarming situation of forest fires in Uttarakhand, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action. Here are the key points emerging from the recent report by amicus curiae Gaurav Bansal:

1. Infrastructure Deficiencies:

  • Uttarakhand suffers from a severe lack of essential infrastructure for efficient forest fire management.
  • This includes a shortage of firefighting equipment, insufficient patrolling vehicles, and a dearth of communication devices.
  • The report emphasizes the need for adequate funding and resources to address these critical gaps.

2. Understaffed and Overburdened Forest Department:

  • The forest department is severely understaffed, with only one forest guard for every 2,448 hectares of forest.
  • These guards are burdened with multiple responsibilities, including controlling illicit tree felling, mining, and wildlife poaching, making effective fire management a daunting task.
  • The report calls for increased staffing and a dedicated focus on fire management.

3. Neglect of Fire Lines:

  • The report highlights the crucial role of fire lines in effective fire management.
  • However, Uttarakhand has not reviewed its fire lines for a considerable period, compromising the state’s fire management efforts.
  • The report recommends immediate attention to the construction and maintenance of fire lines.

4. Lack of Support for Forest Staff:

  • Daily wage workers and non-permanent staff of the forest department lack insurance coverage, leaving them vulnerable.
  • The report calls for providing adequate insurance and benefits to these essential personnel.

5. Need for Dedicated Focus:

  • The report emphasizes the need for a dedicated nodal office for forest fires, free from any additional responsibilities.
  • This will ensure a focused approach to tackling the issue.

6. Urgent Action Required:

  • The NGT has directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFFCC) to submit a comprehensive reply within three weeks.
  • This directive underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to address the forest fire crisis in Uttarakhand.

The report serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for a holistic approach to forest fire management in Uttarakhand. Addressing the infrastructure deficiencies, strengthening the forest department, and prioritizing fire management are crucial steps towards safeguarding the state’s valuable forests and ensuring the safety of its people.