3.1k to 2k in a yr: Bengal sees 60% less forest fires in ’23-24
Times of India | 17 February 2025
123456 Kolkata: Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore and Purulia have emerged as the foremost districts in Bengal with highest incidents of forest fires in 2023-24 with 456, 371, 295 and 282 cases, respectively.
The aggregate forest fires in the state have dipped in 2023-24 to 2,020 from 3,096 in 2022-23, says the recently released India State of Forest Report.
Bankura and Jhargram harbour the most number of areas susceptible to forest fires, it says.
In India, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are the top 3 states with the highest number of forest fires.
"Awareness campaigns and summer showers are the primary reasons for dip in forest fires in 2023-24. The preponderance of forest fires in southwest Bengal are human-induced, with many being deliberate. Notwithstanding the seasonal monsoon showers that foster lush vegetation, ground vegetation is not permitted to flourish for long. This typically starts growing in July and remains verdant till the onset of hot weather period from March-May. The rationale behind destruction of this vegetation are varied and embedded in interests of local communities, transitory workers, truck drivers and people who venture into the forests for various purposes. For some, the fires are set to collect Mohul flowers, while others may burn the forest to kill smaller wildlife species for consumption," said Singaram Kulandaivel, chief conservator of forests, central circle.
Of the total 16,970.3 square kilometre forest cover in Bengal, 943 sq km is highly fire prone.
While 205 square kilometres is very highly fire-prone, 1,160 sq km is moderately fire-prone, according to the report.
"National statistics reveal that forest fires result in loss of approximately Rs 1.8 lakh crores worth resources annually and contribute around 69 million tons of CO2 emissions each year," he added.
Amongst districts in India, most number of forest fires were detected in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, Alluri Sitharama Raju in Andhra and Bijapur in Chhattisgarh.
In southwest Bengal, Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, and West Midnapore are particularly vulnerable. "These regions frequently experience intense ground fire outbreaks, and in some areas, the identical fire is repeated multiple times within the same season. While species like Saal and Mohul (grown-up trees and seedlings) can withstand these fires, more sensitive species — such as medicinal plants, herbs, shrubs, climbers and fresh seedlings — are decimated by the flames," added Kulandaivel.
"All stakeholders — local communities, forest officials, policymakers and conservationists — should unite in the campaign against forest fires. This will diminish the frequency of crop depredation by elephants and help maintain equilibrium in the population of smaller herbivores, which would, in turn, help stabilise food chain. This will also check human-wildlife conflict. Mega carnivores such as tigers and other predators will have access to more suitable habitats and prey," he added.