A recent study has identified that forests in Central India, particularly in the Khandwa and North Betul divisions, are at a heightened risk of forest fires. The increased risk is attributed to both human activities and natural factors. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted fire management strategies in these vulnerable areas.
Research Overview
The study, titled Assessing Forest Fire Dynamics and Risk Zones in Central Indian Forests: A Comparative Study of the Khandwa and North Betul Forest Divisions of Madhya Pradesh, was conducted by Vibha Sahu, a doctoral student at the Indian Institute of Forest Management. The research was published on August 14, 2024, in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
Methodology
The research team analyzed forest fire patterns over the past 22 years in the Khandwa and North Betul forest divisions using satellite data from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer). The study aimed to understand the origins and spread of fires in these regions.
Findings
The study observed a slight increase in the number of fires, with Khandwa experiencing approximately three additional fires per year and North Betul one more. More significantly, around 45% of Khandwa’s forest and 50% of North Betul’s forest are classified as high or very high fire risk zones.
In Khandwa, the high-risk zones are concentrated in the northern and southeastern parts, including the Khalwa, East Kalibhit, West Kalibhit, Chandgarh, and Aonliya ranges. In North Betul, the northwestern and northeastern regions, such as Shahpur, Betul, Sarni, and Bhaura, are at higher risk.
Contributing Factors
The study identified significant clustering of fire incidents, indicating that certain regions are more susceptible to fires. Factors such as vegetation type, topography, and human activity play a crucial role in fire susceptibility. For instance, areas near roads with highly combustible forests are more prone to fires.
The research also highlighted that Khandwa’s teak-dominated forests are at higher risk compared to the mixed-species forests of Betul. The study used the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model to predict future fire risks and categorize areas into five risk levels.
Human Activity and Fire Risks
Local communities in these regions harvest forest resources like mahua flowers and tendu leaves. However, their collection methods, such as burning undergrowth, can inadvertently increase the risk of forest fires.
Implications for Conservation
The study is significant as it directs conservation efforts toward the areas most vulnerable to fires. By focusing on these high-risk zones, forest managers and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to prevent and control fires, thereby protecting both the forests and the local communities that depend on them.
Conclusion
Lead researcher Vibha Sahu emphasized the importance of targeted planning and resource allocation to manage fire threats effectively, particularly in Khandwa, which faces a higher fire risk.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary cause of increased forest fire risks in the Khandwa and North Betul divisions?
- a) Only natural factors
- b) Only human activities
- c) Both natural factors and human activities
- d) Climate change alone
Answer: c) Both natural factors and human activities
- Which areas in Khandwa are identified as high fire risk zones?
- a) Shahpur and Sarni
- b) East Kalibhit and West Kalibhit
- c) Betul and Bhaura
- d) Sarni and Bhaura
Answer: b) East Kalibhit and West Kalibhit
- Which vegetation type is at higher risk in the Khandwa division?
- a) Mixed-species forests
- b) Bamboo forests
- c) Teak-dominated forests
- d) Grasslands
Answer: c) Teak-dominated forests
- What model did the researchers use to predict future fire risks?
- a) Satellite Imaging Process (SIP)
- b) Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
- c) Forest Fire Risk Model (FFRM)
- d) Vegetation Analysis Model (VAM)
Answer: b) Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
- Why is this study significant for conservation efforts?
- a) It identifies the best areas for forest tourism.
- b) It provides a strategy to focus on high-risk zones.
- c) It suggests methods to increase forest fire incidents.
- d) It highlights the least vulnerable areas to fires.
Answer: b) It provides a strategy to focus on high-risk zones.