Sariska Tiger Reserve Fire Leaves Burning Questions on Climate Change

Almost a month after an alert  was sounded by a UN agency, recent incidents of fire in Sariska tiger reserve  and a sanctuary in Odisha have exposed preparedness to  protect forests. Lives of tigers and other wildlife were at risk. Leaping flames engulfing Sariska tiger reserve in Rajasthan may have been doused, the burning issue of climate change vis a vis the forest fires needs to be addressed.

 Life of Tigers at Stake

The number of big cats grew to about 25 in Sariska following a successful tiger reintroduction programme that was required after all the tigers ‘vanished’ in 2004. Four adult tigers and five cubs including the ST 17 and her two cubs ST14 and ST20 move around the area where fire engulfed  damaging the jungle badly . The fire broke out in Narandi ka jungle area on March 27 evening and then spread further.  But officials claimed none of the big cats were stuck in the fire. The blaze was brought under control on March 28 but it flared up again the same evening. Soon it went out of control spreading over the hills up to an area of over 15 km. Two IAF helicopters were deployed in the firefighting on March 29 and flew 22 sorties over two days, spraying water. Sources said the blaze did not spread to a large area overnight meaning it was not noticed on time. On  April 1, officials said that there was no harm to any tiger.  

Also read:Railways' Push For Tracks in Tiger Reserves  Contradicts its Green Claims

 Like many parts of North India, Rajasthan too is witnessing early heat wave conditions, much ahead of the seasonal heat waves and can be correlated to “non linear impacts of climate change”.   Experts said that forest fires in Sariska look like a case of “extreme heat exacerbating the fire”. Large number of villagers still live inside the tiger reserve and human –caused fire cannot be ruled out. Besides, the rolling stones from the hills also create sparks and the dry bio- mass immediately catches the fire, local people said.

Was the Fire Warning Ignored ?

Before the onset of summers in India, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on February 23 warned that the wildfires will be more frequent, larger and intense due to climate change. It called on the global governments to adopt a new ‘Fire Ready Formula,’ as it warned that incidences of wildfires would rise in the future. The new formula envisages that 66 % of spending be devoted to planning, prevention, preparedness and recovery after fire.  Of this almost half- 32 %- was recommended only on prevention. The remaining 34 % can be spent on response.  The UNEP report said “Integrated wildfire management is key to adapting to current and future changes in global wildfire risk”. 

Also read: Tale of Missing Tigers of Ranthambhore: 4 More Takes the Count to 34 

There was a need to invest more in fire risk reduction, work with local communities and strengthen global commitment to fight climate change, the report said. The report was released ahead of the resumed 5th session of the UN Environment Assembly or UNEP. The report also warned that the number of wildfires is likely to increase by up to 14 % by 2030. It is projected to go up by 33 % by 2050 and  52 % by 2100. It also said that the wildfires are not limited to climate change but  its prevalence and behaviour is changing due to numerous factors including climate change. The report explained, “The true cost of wildfires — financial, social, and environmental — extends for days, weeks, and even years after the flames subside”.  Though others may not correlate the wildfire directly with climate change, they inferred the same. “We mostly have man-made fires. The only thing is heat waves means biomass is dry and that helps spread the fire faster”, they said.

Also read: Deadly Train Tracks Threaten Tiger Corridor In MP 

It’s not only Sariska,  a total of 381 forest fires were reported in India by March 30, 2022, according to the Forest Survey of India. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of fires at 133 including  Ladkui jungles in Sehore district on March 22 and forest areas of the Majhgawan region of Satna district  in March.  Ladkui  is part of the tiger corridor. Fire also broke in Perimalmalai Peak near Kodaikanal hills in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district and Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.