West Singhbhum Reduces Forest Fires but Remains on India's Top 20 National List

West Singhbhum, a district in Jharkhand, has made headlines for its significant presence on the national forest fire map, securing a spot among the top 20 districts in India for the highest number of forest fires during the recent fire season spanning from November 2023 to June 2024. The findings were revealed in the India State of Forest Report 2023, published by the Union government. In this fire season, West Singhbhum was reported to have experienced a total of 1,835 forest fires, positioning the district at 19th in the country. This figure marks a notable decrease from the previous season, when it ranked 8th nationally with 2,858 fire incidents. The decline in cases reflects a broader trend in the state, as Jharkhand reported a total of 7,525 forest fires this season, significantly down from 11,923 in the 2022-23 season. The report also highlighted that 1,086.46 square kilometers of forests were impacted by fires in the state during this period. Jharkhand's national ranking in terms of forest fires has slipped to 10th, down from 8th the previous year. However, it is essential to note that the state has seen a drastic increase in fire incidents over the past few years, with 9,419 fires in 2021-22 and a staggering 21,713 in 2020-21, which were the highest figures recorded in the last seven years. The report provides insights into the fire sensitivity of Jharkhand's forests, indicating that approximately 109.46 square kilometers fall under the extremely fire-prone category, while 2,756.20 square kilometers are classified as very high fire-prone and 6,926.56 square kilometers as highly fire-prone. Among the state’s protected areas, Betla National Park topped the list with 141 fire incidents, followed closely by Dalma (90) and Koderma Sanctuary (73). In a positive light, there has been a slight uptick in Jharkhand’s overall forest cover, which increased by 44.64 square kilometers to a total of 23,765.78 square kilometers between 2021 and 2023. This growth, which equates to 29.81% of the state's geographical area, stands in contrast to the national trend, where India's forest cover has seen an increase of 1,445 square kilometers since 2021. Experts suggest that the reduction in fire incidents may be attributed to a more proactive response from local communities and improved management practices. The early intervention by these communities has played a crucial role in controlling fires before they can be detected by satellite monitoring. As the state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by forest fires, the importance of community involvement and effective forest management strategies becomes increasingly vital. The recent report serves as both a reminder of the continuing threats posed to Jharkhand's forests and an encouraging sign of resilience and adaptation in the face of environmental challenges.