MANAGEMENT OF FOREST FIRE DISASTER-A CASE STUDY OF UDAIPUR DISTRICT IN RAJASTHAN

The forest is a precious natural resource, which is beneficial for the ecosystem in general and man in particular. Forest Fire or wildfire is a regular phenomenon that causes tremendous loss of fauna and flora and deteriorates the environment. Rajasthan is forest deficit desert state, but Udaipur district has the largest forest area and tree cover. Most fires are human-caused surface fires. Only less than 10 percent are due to natural causes. Forest fires are increasing due to global warming and wildfires in turn contribute to global warming. Management and control of forests is very important. The fire season in Udaipur is from January to May, while March witnesses the largest number of fires. Man-caused fires are due to the leaving of ignited fires, match sticks, burning torches, bidis, cigarettes, etc., by herders, travellers or forest produce collectors, by short circuits in electric transmission lines, careless burning of dried grasses, leaves or fire lines or burning grass for collection of fruit and flower of Mahua or for better grass. Local tribal people also burn forests due to religious beliefs or superstitions like ‘Magra Snan’ for fulfilling a wish or after a wish has been fulfilled. Natural causes like friction in bamboo trees or rocks due to blasting or natural lightning also cause forest fires. Udaipur is identified as moderately vulnerable to wildfires in forests. Forest fires have been increasing over the years in Udaipur district. The number has tripled in the last 10 years in Udaipur. The methods of forest fire reduction, mitigation and prevention are the creation of fire lines, prescribed burning, fire tracing, counter fire, rock walls, fire watchers, fire watch towers, soil moisture conservation works, ticket patrolling, extraction of dry bamboo, fire alert system, mobile squads, use of leaf blower, use of communication devices, community participation, increasing public awareness, development of pasture and Animal Husbandry in the buffer zone, regular firefighting drill with ready firefighting unit, ground patrolling, and proper training of all stakeholders and strict implementation of forest laws and regulations can certainly ensure forest fire mitigation and proper management. Using traditional and modern knowledge and methods with the latest technology and integrated efforts from all stakeholders and all agencies are essential to prevent, manage and mitigate forest fires.