Context

• The fire that has been burning in the forests adjacent to Bhimtal in Uttarakhand has spread uncontrollably.
• Forest department officers and employees are trying to extinguish the fire. State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also held a meeting with Forest Department officials and given strict instructions to effectively control forest fires.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that the maximum impact is in 11 districts of Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. Forests are burning in the entire Kumaon including Nainital, Bhimtal, Ranikhet, Almora.
• Forest fire is also engulfing Jim Corbett National Park. In the last 24 hours, 7.67 hectares of forest has burnt in Corbett Park. Whereas, 25.47 hectares of forest has been damaged in 26 incidents of forest fire in the last 24 hours in the entire Kumaon. In which 10.93 hectares of forest has been affected by forest fire in Terai Eastern Forest Division.
• According to records, so far 575 incidents of forest fire have taken place in the state during the fire season. In which 689.89 hectares of forest has been burnt.

About Forest Fire

• It can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of natural conditions such as forests, grasslands, vegetation.
• Its spread depends on environmental conditions (such as wind ).
• There are three factors responsible for forest fire namely; Presence of fuel, oxygen and heat is necessary.

Underlying Reasons Behind Forest Fire

• Human negligence
• Weather conditions
• Dryness
• Initial availability of dry biomass

Government Efforts

• National Action Plan for Forest Fire, 2018
• Forest Fire Prevention and Management Plan

Measures to control incidents of forest fire

• Public awareness and education
• Strict enforcement of regulations
• Prevention of non-responsive behaviour
• Fire prevention and fuel management
• Quick check system
• Collective efforts should be made to reduce the risk and impact of forest fire to the communities concerned by implementing mitigation strategies and promoting a culture of fire safety and adaptation.

Important Facts For Exam

Uttrakhand

• Formation :09 November, 2000
• Capital: Dehradun
• Ancient name of the state:Uttaranchal
• Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor: Gurmit Singh
• High Court: Nainital
• State Tree - Buransh (Rhododendron)
• State Animal – Musk Deer (Muscus chysogaster)
• State Bird - Monal (Lophoporus impaginus)
• State game - Football