PANAJI
In a worrying indication, the occurrence of forest fires in Goa has risen by over 700 per cent in the last one year, according to the data submitted by the Central government. From November 2022 to June 2023, the coastal State reported 147 forest fires.
As per the written reply in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey, total 399 forest fires were detected by Forest Survey of India (FSI) using SNPP-VIIRS sensor in the last five years in Goa.
As per the data, from November 2018 to June 2019, State had 140 wildfire cases while the number came down to 47 between November 2019 to June 2020 and it further dropped to 40 during the similar period for the subsequent year ending June 2021.
What is interesting to note is, between November 2021 and June 2022, the State had only 20 forest fires detected, the number that jumped to 147 this year.
“As per the report received from various State governments, the forest fires are mostly ground fires that are sporadic and not enveloping large areas within the landscape. The fuel load in the majority of the fire prone areas is dried grasses, which quickly regenerate during monsoons. So far, no lasting damages are noticed due to forest fires resulting in migration of animals and birds from their habitats,” the Union Minister said in his reply.
In the month of March, this year, Goa recorded 74 sporadic fire incidents covering wildlife sanctuaries, private land, reserve forests, comunidade land, and others. About 4.18 sq km of forest area including 2.27 sq km in three wildlife sanctuaries were affected.
Of the total 74 fire incidents reported during the first fortnight of March, 32 fire incidents were reported in three wildlife sanctuaries alone.
Ministry informed about preparation of the National Action Plan on Forest Fire that prioritizes on empowering forest fringe communities and incentivizing them to work in tandem with the Forest Departments to prevent and control forest fires; reducing the vulnerability of forests against fire hazards; enhancing the capabilities of forest personnel and institutions in fighting fires; and restoration of forest fire affected areas.
The Ministry also said that the financial support through various schemes is provided to the States towards forest fire prevention and mitigation activities including, creation and maintenance of fire lines, water conservation structures, procurement of firefighting equipment, awareness creation, and incentivizing village communities for protection against forest fire etc.
