Context:
India experienced a severe wildfire season in 2024–2025, affecting nearly 15 million people, according to wildfire impact assessments. The fires have caused major environmental and health concerns.
Key Highlights / Details:
- Uttar Pradesh recorded its worst wildfire season on record.
- Regional wildfires led to severe haze episodes in New Delhi in November 2024.
- PM2.5 levels reached 13 times the WHO air quality limit, posing serious health risks.
- These wildfires are linked to climate change, dry conditions, agricultural burning, and forest degradation.
- Rising wildfire incidents have also threatened biodiversity and rural livelihoods.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PM2.5 refers to particulate matter ≤2.5 micrometers in diameter—can penetrate lungs and bloodstream.
- WHO safe limit for PM2.5: 5 µg/m³ annual average.
- Key fire-prone regions in India: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
- Forest Fire Alert System (FFAS) developed by Forest Survey of India (FSI) & ISRO monitors fire outbreaks using satellite data.
- National Action Plan on Forest Fires (NAPFF) implemented by MoEFCC.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Link between climate change and increased wildfire frequency.
- Role of anthropogenic activities like stubble burning and forest encroachment.
- Impacts on air quality, public health, agriculture, and economy.
- Need for early warning systems, community-based fire management, and climate-adaptive forestry.
Possible Mains Question:
Wildfires have emerged as a serious environmental threat in India. Discuss their causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies with suitable examples.