The latest spell of rain has introduced short-term respite for the Himachal Pradesh forest division serving to to maintain the variety of forest fires comparatively low on the onset of the hearth season. Nonetheless, officers warn that the chance stays excessive because the state strikes into its peak fireplace months.
The state forest division attributes this yr’s delayed onset to improved climate situations however stays cautious as a result of state’s excessive forest protection. (HT File)
“The fire season in Himachal Pradesh has officially begun,” stated Ok. Thirumal, chief conservator of forests, Shimla circle, whereas addressing a press convention on Monday. “Thanks to recent rainfall, fire incidents are currently fewer. So far, only 90 forest fire cases have been reported statewide.”
Himachal sometimes information between 1,500 to 2,000 forest fireplace incidents yearly through the fireplace season, which runs from April 15 to July 15 or till the monsoon units in. The forest division attributes this yr’s delayed onset to improved climate situations however stays cautious as a result of state’s excessive forest protection—68% of its complete geographical space—nicely above the nationwide common.
The India state of forest report (ISFR), 2023, states a 14-fold improve in fireplace incidents in comparison with the earlier season. Whereas 704 incidents have been recorded in 2022-2023, the quantity surged to 10,136 in 2023-2024.
In preparation for the continuing season, the forest division has issued a statewide alert and is emphasising early response mechanisms and group engagement. “We are running awareness campaigns, deploying personnel and appealing to citizens for cooperation,” Thirumal stated. “Our block officers are working closely with local communities to ensure timely response to any fire outbreaks,” he added.
The division has known as on native residents, panchayats, and journey tourism operators to stay vigilant. Since forest fires at the moment are formally recognised as pure disasters, every panchayat has appointed a catastrophe ‘mitra’ beneath the Catastrophe Administration Act to help firefighting efforts alongside forest workers.
“Preventing forest fires is a shared responsibility. Public participation is vital in both preventing and responding to fire incidents,” stated Thirumal.