These annual fires not only destroy valuable vegetation but also seriously endanger wildlife, human populations, and the delicate ecology. Approximately 700 hectares of forest land have been destroyed as a result of the hundreds of forest fire occurrences that Uttarakhand has seen since November of last year.
The gravity of the issue is highlighted by the recent spike that prompted the Army’s deployment. Following the 31 fire incidents that were recorded in a 24-hour period last week, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s recognition of the magnitude of the problem needs to be supported by swift action.
Source: India Today
It is depressing to learn that a large portion of these fires are caused by human error, and that human carelessness and misconduct are frequently the underlying causes of these fires, which go beyond environmental variables.
One cannot stress the importance of strict law enforcement and harsh penalties for offenders. Furthermore, the worrisome data on forest fires from the Forest Survey of India presents a dire picture, with Odisha ranking as the state most affected. Policymakers and environmentalists must take immediate action in response to the correlation between rising temperatures, droughts brought on by climate change, and an increase in forest fires.
Source: Wion
The government and civic society must prioritise forest conservation and take strong measures to combat ecological degradation as Uttarakhand faces another fire season. It is not just the responsibility of the government; each and every person has a duty to exercise caution, behave responsibly, and support environmental sustainability.
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