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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Telangana’s forests are grappling with an unprecedented surge in forest fires, with incidents skyrocketing from 12,927 in 2017 to a staggering 13,497 in 2024. This dramatic rise has placed Telangana seventh among Indian states and union territories with the highest number of fire incidents, according to the India State of Forest Report 2023.
The report highlights the dire situation, emphasizing that Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts are among the top 10 districts nationwide for forest fire incidents. Telangana recorded 3,983.28 sq km of burnt forest area following Andhra Pradesh (5,286.76 sq km) and Maharashtra (4,095.04 sq km) between November 2023 and June 2024.
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The state’s tiger reserves are also under significant threat. The Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve witnessed a sharp increase in fire incidents, rising from 1,919 in 2019 to 2,644 in 2024. Similarly, the Amrabad Tiger Reserve saw fire incidents climb from 897 to 1,224 over the same period.
“Forest fires have long been integral to forest ecosystems, playing a crucial role in shaping conservation and management practices. However, the losses associated with fires far outweigh their benefits,” the report states. “Dry winters and delayed monsoons lead to heightened fire events causing extensive damage. Additionally, human negligence frequently leads to forest fires, resulting in human casualties, biodiversity depletion, habitat destruction, reduced production, landscape degradation, and disturbances to livelihoods.”
Forest officials attribute approximately 80% of these fires to human activities. Negligent practices such as beedi smoking by shepherds and cowherds along with slash-and-burn agricultural methods employed by farmers, are major contributors. Intentional fires for land encroachment are also prevalent in rural areas, exacerbating the situation.
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The rising number of forest fires in Telangana underscores the urgent need for effective fire management strategies and public awareness campaigns. The state must invest in advanced firefighting equipment, enhance forest monitoring systems, and promote sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the risk of wildfires.
Telangana’s escalating forest fire crisis calls for immediate and concerted efforts to protect its forests and wildlife. With human activities being a significant driver of these fires, it is crucial to foster a culture of responsibility and vigilance among local communities. The future of Telangana’s forests depends on the collective actions of the government, forest officials, and residents to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
