Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
2. Examine the reasons behind rising instances of forest fires in India. What measures are needed to mitigate the adverse impacts of forest fires? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about causes of forest fires in India and measures need to mitigate them.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining forest fires and statistic regarding rising instances of 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 that are needed to be taken in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
