Odisha Worst Hit by Forest Fires in India

According to a recent survey by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), 542 incidents of forest fire have been recorded in Odisha in seven days.

• According to the FSI’s fire warning system, large-scale forest fires have been reported from several forests in Odisha, including the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
• This FSI fire alert is based on the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (SNPP).
• Forest fire can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of vegetation in natural systems such as forests, grasslands.
• Forest fires ignite through natural fuels (such as dry grass) and spread depending on environmental conditions (such as wind, topography, etc.).
• According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Odisha recorded 51,968 incidents of forest fires between November 2020 and June 2021, the highest in India.

Cause of forest fire –

• Lightning, specifically “hot lightning”: Hot lightning or Long Continuous Current (LCC) is the discharge of lightning. There is a continuous flow of electricity in it for more than 40 milliseconds.
• Excessive heat and dryness: The friction caused by the rubbing of tree branches against each other leads to fire.
• Man-made factors: sparks from cigarette butts thrown in the woods, carelessly thrown burning matches, intentional fires, etc.

Steps taken to prevent forest fire –

• National Forest Fire Action Plan (NAPFF), 2018 has been prepared.
• FSI Van Agni Jio – Portal has been launched to get instant information regarding VanAgni.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits setting fire to wildlife sanctuaries.

Source – Hindustan Times

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