Topic: Disaster and disaster management
6. There has been an increase in forest fires events across India. Examine the causes and suggest measures required for forest fire mitigation. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: DownToEarth
Why the question: A fire has engulfed a vast expanse of forest area in West Bengal’s Purulia district since March 24, 2022, according to officials of the forest department. The laze has spread rapidly in the forested areas of Joychandi, Garpanchakot, Bandoan, Baranti and Ayodhya hills, they added. Some of these areas are in the reserved forest category.
Key Demand of the question: The article explains why forest fires break out and why they have been so frequent.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some data relevant to forest fires in India.
Body:
Draw a small illustrative diagram showing major forest fire prone areas.
Discuss first the reasons of forest fires; Thunderstorms are the most likely natural cause for forest fires. Slash and burn techniques etc. The reasons are mainly manmade, particularly in cases where people visit forests and leave burning bidis, cigarette stubs or other inflammable materials.
Next, explain the concerns posed by it. Explain why they are difficult to control.
Next, discuss the efforts being taken in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
