Forest fires led to Rs3.24 crore loss, damaged 11K hectares in 2023-24

During the 2023-2024 fire season, the Forest Department has reported extensive damage caused by forest fires across the state; a total of 686 such incidents were recorded. According to the latest data compiled in the Fire Incident Reporting Engine (FIRE), a web-based reporting platform developed by the IT wing of the Forest Department, a staggering 11,032 hectares of forestland and plantation area were affected by fires, causing an estimated financial loss of over Rs 3.24 crore.

The data highlights that the Kullu circle was the worst-hit with 127 fire incidents impacting 2,924.92 hectares of forestland and causing a loss of around Rs 83 lakh. The Mandi circle followed closely with 105 fire incidents affecting over 706 hectares and causing a loss of around Rs 54 lakh. The Solan circle reported only six incidents but 70 hectares of forestland and plantation area were damaged, causing a loss of Rs 1.72 lakh.

In the 686 fire incidents, most of the affected areas were natural forests, which lost over 2,171 hectares of greenery. Plantation areas bore the burnt of the damage as well, as around 846 hectares were affected. Besides, around 402 hectares in other areas such as grasslands were also impacted by fires.The total immediate loss from fires across all regions is pegged at Rs 3.24 crore, according to a report of the department. These fires, which are often aggravated by dry weather conditions and human negligence, have led to the destruction of valuable forest resources and posed a serious threat to the wildlife in several areas.

The Forest Department has urged local communities and the local authorities to remain vigilant as the fire season is still continuing. The department has also emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts in fire management and prevention, including better monitoring and quicker response times to curb the spread of forest fires.