Forest Fires and Green Nagaland

It is once again that time of the year when forest fires are upon us. Reports of such incidents are however not confined to Nagaland alone but this is a global phenomenon, some countries affected more than others. Wherever the case may be, forest fires have an adverse effect on local communities and the environment. Even though a lot has been written and said about forest fires and how we can try and tackle this, we all know that the problem persists. In the context of Nagaland, the concerned government and the village councils have been, from time to time, issuing instructions and orders to prevent such fire. However, nothing seems to have worked. Perhaps we need to go beyond and do much more substantial things in order for us to help in protecting our forest and other land resources from fire.    

Firstly, let us accept the fact that such wildfires are in most cases ignited by human-related activities. According to a study, more than 83% of forest fires in 2006 were started by human activities, accounting for the burning of millions of acres of land. Do we have a plan of action for this? Efforts must be made towards educating, generating awareness and disciplining members of the public. And so to begin with, people must be educated and disciplined into becoming law abiding citizens. This will solve a lot of crime and anti-social related problem.

While this is one aspect of addressing the problem, the other area that needs to be strengthened is the law and how to enforce it.Several government orders and notifications have come out to take action against forest fires such as cancelling grants to village development boards (VDB). But whether all this is being implemented in letter and spirit is a big question mark. In fact setting fire to forest and other’s landed properties should be considered as a crime against humanity. In most cases, it is the anti-social and irresponsible people who indulge in such action. Stringent punishment must be laid down and those who commit such a crime must be held accountable. Fear of the law and respect for nature are both essential towards prevention.  

The other thing that requires serious attention is to take practical steps to help the community in fighting forest fires. The Department of Forests, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife should take the responsibility in this regard. It should disseminate information capsule (in the respective local dialects) on safe farming methodology so that Naga farmers who are closest to nature are able to live in harmony with nature while enjoying the benefits therein. Along with this at the community level, the youths in particular should be involved in prevention efforts.

It is suggested that the Department should have a concrete plan of action to tackle forest fires each year during the vulnerable season. For instance, it is common knowledge that forest fires intensify and spread because of the highly flammable condition of our forests during the long dry and windy season. ‘Controlled’ fires are started to reduce heavy fuel buildup and used as a forest management tool. This is also called ‘prescribed burn’ and used for wildfire fire fuel reduction, wildlife habitat enhancement and debris clearing. There is no reason why our Forest Department cannot undertake such small 'prescribed' burns that will limit or contain major fires. Also efforts must also be made to study, develop and plant trees that can help replenish water sources and restore the overall health of the environment. Forests are our future and fortunately for us we have been blessed by God with abundance. It is our responsibility to help keep and protect them for posterity.