Decision makers:
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami
Chief Secretary
Urban Local Bodies
Uttarakhand Forest Department
Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board
Long-term Demands:
Begin regular forest fire preparations from November to June, involving disaster management teams in every district
Implement timely pruning and rotational cutting to prevent pine encroachment into other forests
Clear pine needles and put them up for alternative use, such as electricity and fuel generation
- Develop a comprehensive plan for the partial replacement of Chir Pine trees with indigenous tree species, tailored to the specific requirements and ecological needs of each region within Uttarakhand
- Strengthen the monitoring and surveillance systems to enhance vigilance against man-made fires throughout Uttarakhand
Establish and maintain 10-meter-wide fire control lines within forests and along roads
Utilise satellite information and mapping for a holistic perspective
Train local communities to become first responders
What’s the issue?
Since the end of April 2024, wildfires have ravaged hundreds of hectares of pristine forests in Uttarakhand. The areas worst impacted include Ramnagar, Haldwani and Nainital among others.
Since November 1, 2023, the state has reported 910 incidents of forest fires, due to which about 1145 hectares of forest have been affected. The most recent incidents of fires were reported on the 27th of April and still continue to burn. Now, the fires are largely concentrated in the Kumaon range, as per reports.
Atleast 5 lives have been lost to the devastating flames and essential services, including access to healthcare services and access to basic amenities, have been adversely affected.
Forest fires have also disrupted tourism in the region – a sector which is important for the state’s economy. Describing the situation as ‘apocalyptic’, locals, especially in areas like Almora and Haldwani have been complaining about breathlessness and lack of visibility because of the billowing smoke.
What caused the wildfires?
Among the numerous reasons for the wildfires, experts attribute it to wind direction, dry weather conditions including heat waves, scanty winter rainfall and reduced snowfall. Compounding these challenges is the presence of Chir Pine trees, notorious for their high flammability, that dominate the landscape.
Next steps:
The Indian Air Force has been undertaking a Bambi Bucket operation as a part of relief measures, via its helicopters. A Bambi Bucket is a container underneath a helicopter that releases water into a fire-affected area to douse the flames.
As part of preventive measures, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has imposed a week-long ban on stubble burning and given instructions to prevent the burning of waste in close proximity to the forests.
However, we need more long-term solutions to this crisis! Our forests are the lifeblood of Uttarakhand, and we refuse to watch them burn.
Join us in imploring the government in Uttarakhand to consider preventive, long-term measures that will ensure wildfires such as these become a thing of the past.
Sources
Why Are Uttarakhand Forest Fires Becoming Unmanageable? How Can Wildfires Be Prevented? -News18
Satellite captures extent of Uttarakhand forest fire -India Today
Why is Uttarakhand up in flames? Key details about the state's forest fires - Business Standard
P.S. We can’t let our forests get razed as a result of human activity, unchecked industrialisation or urbanization. Our forests are our lungs – helping us secure a sustainable and green future. We must do all it takes to save them. To run impactful campaigns like these, we rely on the donations of members like you! Should you like to support our work, do consider making a donation by clicking this link.
Decision makers:
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami
Chief Secretary
Urban Local Bodies
Uttarakhand Forest Department
Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board
Long-term Demands:
Begin regular forest fire preparations from November to June, involving disaster management teams in every district
Implement timely pruning and rotational cutting to prevent pine encroachment into other forests
Clear pine needles and put them up for alternative use, such as electricity and fuel generation
- Develop a comprehensive plan for the partial replacement of Chir Pine trees with indigenous tree species, tailored to the specific requirements and ecological needs of each region within Uttarakhand
- Strengthen the monitoring and surveillance systems to enhance vigilance against man-made fires throughout Uttarakhand
Establish and maintain 10-meter-wide fire control lines within forests and along roads
Utilise satellite information and mapping for a holistic perspective
Train local communities to become first responders
What’s the issue?
Since the end of April 2024, wildfires have ravaged hundreds of hectares of pristine forests in Uttarakhand. The areas worst impacted include Ramnagar, Haldwani and Nainital among others.
Since November 1, 2023, the state has reported 910 incidents of forest fires, due to which about 1145 hectares of forest have been affected. The most recent incidents of fires were reported on the 27th of April and still continue to burn. Now, the fires are largely concentrated in the Kumaon range, as per reports.
Atleast 5 lives have been lost to the devastating flames and essential services, including access to healthcare services and access to basic amenities, have been adversely affected.
Forest fires have also disrupted tourism in the region – a sector which is important for the state’s economy. Describing the situation as ‘apocalyptic’, locals, especially in areas like Almora and Haldwani have been complaining about breathlessness and lack of visibility because of the billowing smoke.
What caused the wildfires?
Among the numerous reasons for the wildfires, experts attribute it to wind direction, dry weather conditions including heat waves, scanty winter rainfall and reduced snowfall. Compounding these challenges is the presence of Chir Pine trees, notorious for their high flammability, that dominate the landscape.
Next steps:
The Indian Air Force has been undertaking a Bambi Bucket operation as a part of relief measures, via its helicopters. A Bambi Bucket is a container underneath a helicopter that releases water into a fire-affected area to douse the flames.
As part of preventive measures, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has imposed a week-long ban on stubble burning and given instructions to prevent the burning of waste in close proximity to the forests.
However, we need more long-term solutions to this crisis! Our forests are the lifeblood of Uttarakhand, and we refuse to watch them burn.
Join us in imploring the government in Uttarakhand to consider preventive, long-term measures that will ensure wildfires such as these become a thing of the past.
Sources
Why Are Uttarakhand Forest Fires Becoming Unmanageable? How Can Wildfires Be Prevented? -News18
Satellite captures extent of Uttarakhand forest fire -India Today
Why is Uttarakhand up in flames? Key details about the state's forest fires - Business Standard
P.S. We can’t let our forests get razed as a result of human activity, unchecked industrialisation or urbanization. Our forests are our lungs – helping us secure a sustainable and green future. We must do all it takes to save them. To run impactful campaigns like these, we rely on the donations of members like you! Should you like to support our work, do consider making a donation by clicking this link.