Topic: Disaster Management
Q6. Account for the reasons behind increasing forest fire in the Himalayan and Western Ghats landscape. Discuss the limitations of the measures taken to prevent it. Also, suggests measures needed to mitigate the impact. (250 Words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question?
The recent fires in Uttarakhand’s Binsar forest highlight the tragic costs of a siloed governance structure.
Key Demand of the question: Analyze the causes of forest fires, their effects on human populations and biodiversity, and propose mitigation measures.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the issue of rising forest fires in the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions, highlighting their significance as biodiversity hotspots.Body:
- Reasons for Increasing Forest Fires:
- Natural Causes: Climate change, prolonged dry spells, and lightning.
- Anthropogenic Causes: Illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and tourism activities.
- Management Issues: Inadequate Forest management and lack of early warning systems.
- Limitations of Measures Taken to Prevent Forest Fires: The response to forest fires in Uttarakhand is hindered by poor coordination among government agencies, inadequate training and equipment for firefighters, and poorly maintained roads that block emergency vehicles. Local discontent due to lack of development leads to deliberate fires, while the removal of incentives for villagers to assist in fire prevention has further reduced local participation.
- Measures to Mitigate Impact:
- Preventive Measures: Strengthening Forest management practices, implementing early warning systems, and promoting community awareness.
- Restorative Measures: Reforestation efforts, rehabilitation of affected areas, and support for affected communities.
- Policy and Governance: Formulating stringent policies on land use and forest conservation, ensuring effective enforcement, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Conclusion:
Summarize the critical need for a comprehensive approach combining prevention, restoration, and policy measures to mitigate the impact of forest fires on humans and biodiversity in these ecologically sensitive regions.
