Haryana Faces Alarming Surge in Forest Fires: Experts Urge Immediate Action for Mitigation

In a concerning trend, Haryana has witnessed a dramatic increase in the incidence of forest fires, with the number of recorded incidents more than doubling from 82 in the fiscal year 2022-23 to 166 in 2023-24. This alarming statistic, drawn from the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, has prompted calls for urgent action from experts and environmental advocates alike, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive mitigation strategy by the state government. The data reveals that certain districts have been particularly affected by this rise in forest fires. Ambala saw an increase from six fires in 2022-23 to 19 in the subsequent year, while Faridabad, which previously recorded no incidents, reported 12 fires in 2023-24. Panchkula experienced a staggering six-fold increase from five to 29 fires, and Yamunanagar faced a nearly four-fold hike from 19 to 73 incidents. Conversely, some districts such as Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, and Jind reported no forest fires in either year, indicating a varied regional impact. Despite the uptick in fires, the ISFR notes that a significant portion of Haryana's forested area—93.9%, or 1,680 square kilometers—is not prone to fires. A smaller percentage falls into moderately and highly prone categories, with only 4.5% and 1.6% of the area, respectively. Fortunately, no areas were classified as highly or extremely prone to forest fires, suggesting that proactive measures could still prevent further escalations. Officials from the Haryana forest department are taking these findings seriously. "The increase in forest fires across various districts, particularly in Ambala, Faridabad, Panchkula, and Yamunanagar, highlights the need for immediate action. We are focusing on improving our fire detection systems, increasing patrolling, and raising awareness among local populations to prevent such incidents in the future," said a forest official on Sunday. Experts in environmental policy have stressed the importance of leveraging this data to shape effective forest management strategies. Debadityo Sinha, lead for climate and ecosystems at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, remarked, "This significant increase in forest fires calls for immediate action to protect these vital ecosystems. It underscores the importance of targeted fire management practices to safeguard the more vulnerable areas and prevent the spread of fires." Sinha pointed out that many forest fires are often sparked by human activities, which necessitates a focused effort from the Haryana government to mitigate such risks. Environmental activist Vaishali Rana shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the patterns and causes behind forest fires. "By understanding the patterns and causes of forest fires, the state can better prepare and protect its forests, ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come," she stated. As the state grapples with this alarming trend, the need for an effective and strategic response becomes increasingly clear. With a comprehensive plan that includes enhanced fire detection systems, community engagement, and proactive forest management practices, Haryana can work toward reversing this concerning surge in forest fires and safeguarding its precious ecosystems for the future.