Srinagar, Jan 28: As dry conditions continue to grip the valley, forest fire risks are rising due to the lack of moisture that would typically help prevent such fires. Dr. Syed Tariq, a Junior Scientist at the J&K Forest Research Institute, stressed the significance of both prevention and immediate response in tackling forest fires.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, he highlighted that forest fires are caused by both natural and man-made factors, but regardless of the cause, it is essential to act swiftly. “Whenever a fire breaks out, we are prepared to handle it immediately, with our forest teams working around the clock, supported by police, disaster management, the forest protection force, and local communities,” said Dr. Tariq.
Dr. Tariq stated that prevention is paramount. “The most important thing is prevention. We must make people aware of the dangers of activities such as charcoal burning, stubble burning, and other practices that can easily ignite a fire,” he noted. Public awareness, he argued, is essential in ensuring that communities understand the consequences of their actions and take precautions to avoid starting fires.
Additionally, Dr. Tariq called for a forward-thinking approach, looking to places like Los Angeles and New Jersey for inspiration. “We need to focus on research and future strategies to improve our fire prevention methods,” he said. This, he believes, can be achieved by providing necessary training to NGOs and local communities, including foresters. Dr. Tariq highlighted the positive impact of NGOs, such as the work of Nadeem Kadri and his team, who have been collaborating with foresters in the region. Their support in facilitating fire management efforts has proven invaluable.
One of Dr Tariq’s key recommendations is to train local people, especially members of biodiversity management committees, in fire management. “Local people, if trained and made aware, can play a crucial role in detecting fires early and assisting in their control. They could be a great asset in reducing the damage caused by forest fires,” he added. By empowering local communities and providing them with training and certifications, Dr. Tariq believes that we can prevent forest fires from becoming catastrophic events.
