A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forest and Climate Change has flagged gaps in the monitoring, regulation and management of forest fires in the Himalayan region.
The recommendations were made in its report titled ‘Forest Fires in the Himalayan Region, its Adverse Effects and Mitigation Measures’, which was tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
The committee recommended prioritising the launch of a geostationary satellite for round-the-clock monitoring and early detection of forest fires.
It called for a region-specific scientific study to establish whether there is an empirical link between climate change and the frequency of forest fires.
The proposed study should examine:
- Temperature trends
- Precipitation patterns
- Frequency and duration of dry spells
- Their relationship with the occurrence and intensity of forest fires.
The panel highlighted the need for stronger disaster-response mechanisms in the Himalayan region.
It recommended a time-bound decision on establishing at least two regional response centres of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dedicated to tackling forest fires.
The committee also called for the formulation of a ‘National Pine-Needle Utilisation Policy’.
Such a policy can help address the accumulation of pine needles on forest floors, which can act as highly combustible material, while also promoting their productive and economic utilisation.
The recommendations emphasise an integrated approach involving satellite-based monitoring, scientific research, institutional preparedness, rapid response and sustainable utilisation of forest biomass.
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