Reasons for Forest Fires in Himachal Pradesh
Table of Content
Reasons for Forest Fires in Himachal Pradesh
Why so many frequent forest fires in HP?
Himachal Pradesh frequently witnesses forest fires during dry weather conditions.
Recently, a forest fire which started near Kullu raged for several days before being brought under control.
Forest in Himachal Pradesh
- Two-thirds of the total geographical area of Himachal Pradesh is legally classified as forest area.
- As per the Forest Survey of India, the effective forest cover is around 28 percent of the total area.
- Common trees are – Chir Pine, Deodar, Oak, Kail, Fir and Spruce.
Different times different forests catch fire
In the summer season,
- Forest fires occur frequently in the low and middle hills of the state, where forests of Chir Pine are common.
During the post-monsoon season and in winters,
- Forest fires are reported in higher areas, including parts of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi districts, where they usually occur in grasslands.
Reasons for Fire
Natural causes
- Lightning
- Rubbing of dry bamboos with each other.
Human causes
- Setting up of temporary hearth to cook food by the herdsman may leave behind a smouldering fire, it can develop into a forest fire.
- When people burn their fields to clear them of stubble, dry grass or undergrowth, the fire sometimes spreads to the adjoining forest.
- A spark can also be produced when dry pine needles or leaves fall on an electric pole.
Preventive Measures
- Forecasting fire-prone days using meteorological data,
- Clearing camping sites of dried biomass,
- Early burning of dry litter on the forest floor.
- Growing strips of fire-hardy plant species within the forest.
- Creating fire lines in the forests (fire lines are strips in the forest kept clear of vegetation to prevent the fire from spreading).
- Creating laws to restrict or regulate certain activities in and around forest areas.
