- In some regions of Uttarakhand, fires were doused with the help of a Bambi bucket, a specialised aerial fire-fighting tool used to pour water in targeted areas.
- About Forest Fire
- Any uncontrolled and non-prescribed burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, which consumes natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions (e.g., wind, topography).
- As per India State of Forest Report 2021,
- Odisha reported highest forest fires between November 2020 and June 2021, followed by Madhya Pradesh.
- More than 36% of country’s forest cover has been estimated to be prone to frequent forest fires.
- Causes of forest fires
- Natural factors: Lightning strike, increased temperature and dryness, friction created by rubbing of branches etc.
- Man-made factors: Spark from cigarette, carelessly setting farmlands on fire, etc.
- Impact of forest fire
- Deforestation, loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat, soil erosion affecting productivity of soils etc.
- Steps taken to protect forest fires
- National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018.
- Forest Survey of India Van Agni Geo-portal for single point of information on forest fire.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits setting fire in wildlife sanctuaries.
How Forest fires can be prevented?
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