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Study: Indian Wildfires Escalate in East, Decline in West
21 Oct
Summary
- Wildfire activity rose 9% annually in Eastern Ghats, declined 11% in Western Ghats.
- Drought conditions are primary drivers of increased fire activity in most reserves.
- Eastern Ghats ranked among world's five most extreme wildfire events recently.
A comprehensive 20-year satellite study has mapped wildfire activity across 13 wildlife reserves in peninsular India, revealing significant regional variations. Researchers observed an approximate 9% annual increase in fire activity within the Eastern Ghats. Conversely, the Western Ghats experienced a substantial annual decline of about 11% in fire incidents.
Central India saw a modest rise in fire activity over the two decades. The study correlated climate records, including drought indicators and temperature, with human factors like population density and forest cover loss. These analyses found that climatic conditions, particularly drought, were the main catalysts for wildfires.
Human population density directly influenced fire frequency in certain reserves, where local communities utilize fire for resource harvesting or grazing. However, in other areas like Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks, human activity was linked to reduced fires due to land-use changes and active suppression efforts.
Notably, the Eastern Ghats have been identified globally for extreme wildfire events, highlighting the critical nature of these findings. The study emphasizes the need for integrated fire management strategies that consider regional climate, vegetation, and human factors to address evolving fire challenges in Indian ecosystems.
