Imlisanen Jamir
The recent report published by ‘Down to Earth’ showing how Nagaland state’s funding for forest fire management has gone down over the years should serve as a cause for concern.
This revelation comes even as chances of man-made forest fires are increasing, with the increase of tourist inflow. As much as awareness initiatives are required, the ability to properly tackle these fires should not be left to chance.
According to the report titled ‘State of India’s Environment in Figures 2019,’ the Nagaland State Government released Rs 123 lakhs during 2015-16 for forest fire management. The figure went up to 170 lakhs during 2016-17, possibly as a reaction to the massive fire which broke out on Mount Japfü in 2015, which was one of the worst such incidents recorded.
From there on though, the funding drops to Rs 93 lakhs for 2017-18; and most recently to a mere Rs 63 lakhs for 2018-19. The recent budgeting for 2018-19 stands out more, as in November of last year, Nagaland state saw a massive man-made forest fire spreading across the Dzükou Valley for three days, razing hundreds of acres.
Prevention initiatives from the state and local bodies have mainly focused on awareness drives. And community wildfire protection plans require sustainable funding for measures such as fuel reduction treatments and retreatments, if at all they are mooted.
Nagaland’s track record shows that the state has had the reputation of being too reactive and not proactive when it comes to large scale disasters. Yes, all parties need to find ways to treat more area effectively at a lower cost. Teaching people to play smart and respect restrictions are all essential elements. But leaving the authorities who are the first line of response short funded is a lapse which can have disastrous consequences.
Despite its reactive nature, state bodies have responded promptly to major forest fire incidents, even with them being short-funded. In this scenario, the role of local government needs to be re-examined to capitalize on their strengths. They generally do not have technical expertise; but they can be equipped with the manpower and infrastructural support to improve co-ordination, facilitation and community consultation. And all of this will require adequate funding.
The reported noted that Nagaland has 12, 489 square kilometres of total fire-prone areas, which is a lot of real estate for human carelessness to cause a major disaster. The government still has some time to prepare till the dry season, where most people outside local communities hike into these fire prone areas. It must move forward to ensure that in the event of any incidents like the one witnessed last November, the responders are prepared.
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