The report tabled in the Rajya Sabha highlights Uttarakhand's soaring fire numbers and recommends integrating climate research into forest fire prevention policies.
Battle against one of the largest forest fires ever in Nilgiris began when first blaze started in Pykara valley on 11 April and later spread across multiple ranges by 15 April.
Forest officials identify high temperatures as ‘primary cause’ behind forest fires in Nilgiris, besides low humidity; ‘Fire spread aggressively due to shifting high-speed winds.’
In response to a question in Parliament, govt says India saw lowest number of forest fires between November 2023 & June 2024 in 4 yrs. At 21,033, Uttarakhand recorded the highest number.
Goa’s forests blazed with 71 fires this March. While authorities point to farming practices and weather, environmentalists have raised questions about ‘laxity’, extent of damage.
Council on Energy, Environment and Water study says hot temperatures, low humidity & increased dry spells have made it more conducive for forest fires to spread.
The panel says environment ministry hasn't responded to committee's observation on lack of human resources in forest departments, wants it to submit action taken report.
For the study, scientists use satellite data to find that up to 85 per cent of threatened species in the Amazon could have lost their habitat due to forest fires, since 2001.
Repeated changes in cotton import duty have prioritised textile competitiveness when mills face high input costs. But policy can also put pressure on farmgate prices.
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