Thursday, July 30, 2009

Forest Fires-Some Remedies to control them

High time to control the increasing menace of Forest Fires

Forest fires during the period April-June every year has become a common recurrence, particularly, in the Pine forests of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and J&K. The estimated direct financial loss on account of these fires during the current year (till July, 2009) in Himachal Pradesh alone has been computed by the HP Forest Department at more than Rs. 2.72 crores. The consequential ecological & environmental damage on account of such fires is not only many times the financial loss but at times is irreparable. As per the HP Forest Department statistics for the year 2006-07, area under Chir Pine is 1346 sq. km. and the growing stock is approximately 12.50 million cubic meters. Every year nearly 30% of the total area under Chir Pine gets affected due to forest fires. Though Chir Pine is considered a fire-hardy species but it has been observed that complete recovery is not possible and further, the recurring fires particularly, in consecutive years in the same patch causes almost a killing effect. These fires (coupled with the widespread impression that Chir Pine prevents growth of grass underneath) have created an obvious repulsion in the minds of the people, especially the farmers against further planting of Chir Pine.

Before suggesting any remedies to control the menace of forest fires, it is important to put the things in right perspective so that the misgivings do not come in the way of appreciation of these suggestions. The Chir pine forests exist over nearly 25% of the total wooded forest area in the State of Himachal Pradesh while the extent of area under broad-leaved species and the conifers (other than Chir Pine) is approximately 38% and 37% respectively. The growing stock of broad-leaved species and the conifers (other than Chir Pine) is approximately 16 million cubic meters and 69 million cubic meters respectively in Himachal Pradesh, as compared to the 12.50 million cubic meters growing stock of Chir Pine. The forest plantations have been raised by the HP Forest Department during the period 1950-2007 over an area of 9866.66 sq.km. (which includes both the blank areas and the blank gaps in the open forest areas), out of which Chir Pine has been raised over 2801 sq.km. while the broad-leaved species and the conifers (other than Chir Pine) have been raised over an area of 5080.13 sq.km. and 1600 sq.km., respectively. In this regard it need be understood that the choice of species is determined primarily by the agro-climatic situation, altitude, aspect and the edaphic considerations. Further, Chir Pine, being a pioneering species in the succession-chain, is the first one to come up on barren hills. Owing to the existence of vast barren areas in the State, there is ample justification for planting nearly 30% of the total planting area in Himachal Pradesh with Chir Pine during the period 1950-2007. Since there remained good market for Rosin (processed from Chir Pine Resin), until recently, there was also economic sense in maintaining the Chir Pine forests as pure blocks and not considering about the next step of succession i.e. conversion into broad-leaved forests. In this backdrop, the following are some of the remedies suggested to control the increasing menace of Forest Fires in Chir Pine Forests:-

Ø It is now the time that the Forest Department starts a massive plan to convert the Chir Pine forests into the broad-leaved (preferably Oak) forests as a long-term strategy to control the menace of forest fires. Apart from the Oak, the planting of wild-fruit plants is extremely significant as that would vitally help in mitigating ‘Monkey-menace’ as well- a serious threat to farmers livelihood in Himachal Pradesh. This task is not easy because of the practice of open grazing of large cattle population in almost all areas covered under Chir Pine. Secondly, the broad-leaved species are not hardy and cannot withstand the hazards of draught, fire and adverse biotic interference etc. Thirdly, the cost of planting would be higher compared to Chir Pine planting and that need be fully appreciated by the Government. Fourthly, the survival percentage could be lower and a particular area would need tending & protection for longer duration in comparison to the conifer species. In view of these factors, a policy decision is required to be taken at the highest level in the Government to duly factor the costs as well as the hardships likely to occur to the people on account of restrictions, so that this programme gets implemented smoothly rather than in a slip-shod or ad-hoc manner.

Ø The cleaning & silvicultural operations in Chir Pine forests have to be done very meticulously and regularly so that the highly inflammable pine-needles are removed before the onset of fire season (April) every year and the thinning of the congested crops is done on a regular basis as per the norms of scientific forestry. Since local inhabitants from adjacent areas do not collect these needles from the entire Chir Pine forest, there has to be specific & ample budget allocation for this task to clear the entire stretch. The prevalent policy of complete ban on green felling needs a serious review.

Ø The extension work has to be undertaken quite aggressively to educate people about the adverse effects of forest fires on their life & property and particularly on their livelyhood-base of farming & agro-pastoral practices. The currently prevalent myth, about having good grass growth as a result of burning of the ‘Ghasanies’, has to be completely wiped out of the mind of the farmers.

Ø The system of engaging Fire-Watchers during the fire season needs to be strengthened and may be it should get linked to some NREGA- like scheme of the Central Government in order to provide sustenance to the fire protection programme in Chir Pine forests.

Ø The Fire-Lines need be created and properly maintained in all the Chir Pine forests in order to put in place fire control systems so that the spread of the fire, in case of its occurrence, could be prevented from engulfing the entire stretch thereby threatening the life & property of the adjoining inhabitants.

Ø The technological advances made world over in the field of forest-fire fighting should be made use of and proper infrastructure (machinery & equipments) should be provided to the Forest Department. Also, the training & skill development programme should be undertaken to have a professional manpower ready to fight & control the forest fires without endangering their lives.

Ø Appropriate penal provisions have also to be provided in the relevant Acts (Forest Act as well as Cr.PC/IPC) to create deterrent for the recalcitrant elements.

It is time for all sections to awaken and make a beginning to undertake the remedial measures to control the ever increasing menace of ‘Forest Fires’ in Chir Pine areas before it is too late and the menace becomes monstrous.