Wild fires in Nashik amounts to 542 cases in 2024; Accidental fires in forests could lead to prison

While the efforts to increase the forest covering do not achieve the desired results, the incidents of artificial forest fires in the city of Nashik and the district have increased in the last two years. Illegal activities, such as alcohol consumption, smoking and lighting fires for the gatherings in the hilly areas have led to significant forest deterioration. According to sources of the Forest Department, strict measures will be taken under the law of forests against persons found responsible for fires. The transport of flammable materials or smoking in forested areas is a serious crime. In 2024, 542 wild fire incidents were reported in Nashik, compared to 414 in 2023.

The summer season did not even start when a major fire broke out three weeks ago in the forests of the Forest Development Corporation on TRARASHMI Leni Hill. A similar fire took place on Mount Sula, near Dari-Seasons, causing extensive damage. The staff of the Forest Development Corporation and the Forest Regional Division of Nashik hastened on the site to control the flames. The fire affected about two hectares of forest soil in the area of ​​TRARASHMI hill and spread to the top of the hill.

Fire control lines

In order to prevent such incidents, the fire control lines are implemented, if the forest officials and the staff burn specific areas in a controlled manner. This method prevents the spread of fire beyond a designated limit and is a crucial forest protection strategy.

Forests play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting all living beings. The destruction of forests due to fires disrupts the ecological balance and affects the precipitation models, which leads to droughts or heavy rainfall. The fire season of forests lasts between February 15 and June 15. While the wild fires that appear naturally are rare in Nashik, the fires created by man have grown significantly over the past two years.

The location of fires in forests is a serious offense under the law of forests of 1927. According to section 26, the forest department can submit a case and arrest the accused. Violators may face one year of one year in prison, along with a fine.

In addition, forest officers and staff are legally obliged to help local citizens and participants in fire extinguishing efforts. Failure to comply with this can lead to legal actions against them.

Meanwhile, Vishal Mali, the divisional forest officer, said: “Entrance to forest areas without permission is already an offense. The transport of flammable or deliberately fire materials is a crime punishable under forest law. The violins will be arrested and prosecuted, because the forest fires threaten the wild life and biodiversity. “

Common causes of forest fires

Burn leaves under the trees to collect Mahua flowers

Shepherds who set fire to forests to create fresh grazing land for their cattle

Reckless behavior of amateur tourists from hilly and backward forestry areas

Alcohol consumption and smoking, which represents a significant fire hazard