As temperatures surge across Jammu and Kashmir, the union territory faces an increasingly grave danger of forest fires. In response to this growing risk, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has chaired a high-level meeting with key stakeholders from the Forest Department, divisional and district administrations, and disaster management authorities. With over 20,000 square kilometres of forest cover in J&K, the need for urgent and coordinated action has become paramount. Emphasis was laid on registering volunteers from villages adjoining forest areas, particularly self-help group members and Anganwadi workers, due to their widespread presence and strong connection to local geography. These volunteers are being seen as crucial first responders who can help manage fire alerts and prevent small incidents from turning into major disasters. A proposal was put forward to include compensation provisions for such volunteers in case of injury or loss of life while performing their duties. This approach aims to formalize their contribution and ensure that their efforts are recognized and safeguarded. The meeting also stressed the importance of strengthening communication systems. Officials were directed to enhance public awareness by launching extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns. Plans were made to publicize emergency contact numbers of forest control rooms and to create a unified social media platform to facilitate real-time updates and coordination regarding forest fire incidents. It was revealed during the meeting that a vulnerability mapping exercise was conducted in 2021 using historical data from the Forest Survey of India. This mapping has served as the foundation for forest division-specific fire management plans. According to the findings, over 270 square kilometres fall under the “Very Highly Fire Prone” category, about 890 square kilometres are marked as “Highly Fire Prone,” and over 1,200 square kilometres are “Moderately Fire Prone.” The remaining majority are categorized as “Less Fire Prone.” The causes of forest fires in the region were classified into three main categories. The first and most prominent are human-induced causes, such as burning of crop residues, carelessly discarded cigarettes, roadside fires, and deliberate lighting of fires to promote grass growth. The second includes natural causes like lightning strikes and rolling stones during dry spells. The third is the growing impact of environmental and climate-related factors—extended dry periods, buildup of dry vegetation, and erratic rainfall patterns that create ideal conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly. To combat these challenges, a multi-layered strategy has been adopted. This includes the creation and maintenance of fire lines to block fire spread, controlled burning to manage dry leaf litter, and the use of early warning systems based on satellite alerts from the Van Agni system. These alerts allow rapid action from ground teams. Currently, 85 Joint Forest Fire Control Rooms have been established across Jammu and Kashmir to receive alerts and coordinate prompt firefighting efforts. These control rooms are equipped with tools like beaters, rake hoes, and sprayers to improve response effectiveness. Community engagement continues to be a central theme in the fire prevention strategy. Village Forest Committees and Biodiversity Management Committees are being involved to help mobilize local awareness and action.
Proactive Protection
