India has recorded more than 6.3 lakh forest fires in the last three years, with over 2 lakh fires reported each year, according to the Forest Survey of India (FSI). These fires are caused by both natural and human activities. Dry leaves, twigs, and pine needles pile up in forests, making them highly flammable, the government said in the Lok Sabha on March 20 this year.
Forest fires are detected using satellite sensors such as MODIS and SNPP-VIIRS, which track fire outbreaks in real-time. Data from FSI shows that India recorded 2,23,333 forest fire incidents from November 2021 to June 2022, 2,12,249 incidents from November 2022 to June 2023, and 2,03,544 incidents from November 2023 to June 2024.
To reduce forest fires, the government has a plan called the National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF) 2018. This plan gives guidelines to prevent fires and make forests stronger against fire damage. State governments and Union Territories also make their own plans based on this national strategy.
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) helps by sending Pre-Fire Alerts (one-week advance warnings), Large Forest Fire Alerts, and Near Real-Time Alerts to officials and registered users. These alerts help authorities take quick action before fires spread.
To improve firefighting efforts, the government has trained three battalions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with 150 personnel, to handle large forest fires. These teams are sent wherever needed to control fires.
The Ministry also gives financial support to states and Union Territories through the Centrally Sponsored Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme and CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) funds.
“The government is taking several steps to prevent and control forest fires, such as early warnings, trained response teams, and financial help for states,” said Kirti Vardhan Singh.
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