List the reasons behind the increasing frequency of forest fires in India. Examine the role of climate change in exacerbating the forest fire risk. What steps should be taken to lessen the negative effects of such fires?

Topic: Disaster and disaster management.

6. List the reasons behind the increasing frequency of forest fires in India. Examine the role of climate change in exacerbating the forest fire risk. What steps should be taken to lessen the negative effects of such fires? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express

Why the question:

The article explains the recent forest fires that occurred in Goa, India, in March 2023. It describes the causes and impact of the fires, which destroyed large areas of forest and wildlife habitats.

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. Write about the role of climate change in rising instances of forest fires.

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.