Vijayawada: The state continues to grapple with the challenge of forest fires, ranking high among Indian states in terms of both frequency and the extent of damage.
Due to its vast forest cover and a combination of climatic and anthropogenic factors, the state remains vulnerable to fires, resulting in significant ecological and economic losses.
In 2023-2024 fire season, Andhra Pradesh saw substantial forest fire activity. The state recorded 1,793 detections using the (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) MODIS sensor, a decrease from 2,526 in the previous year.
Using the (Suomi National Polar Partnership – Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) SNPP-VIIRS sensor, 18,174 detections were made, slightly lower than the 19,367 detections in 2022-2023. The total burnt forest area in the state stood at a staggering 5,286.76 sq km, making Andhra Pradesh the most affected state in India. Comparatively, Maharashtra and Telangana reported burnt areas of 4,095.04 sq km and 3,983.28 sq km, respectively. ASR district of AP ranked second nationwide with 6,399 forest fire detections in 2023-2024, a marked increase from 3,639 in the previous season. Nationally, AP ranked fourth in terms of forest fire detections, trailing Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, Telangana stood at the seventh position. AP also contributes significantly to India’s 11.34 percent forest cover classified as “extremely to very highly fire-prone,” highlighting its vulnerability to fire-related incidents.
Multiple factors contribute to the prevalence of forest fires in Andhra Pradesh. Climatic conditions, including prolonged dry seasons, high temperatures, and low humidity, are significant contributors. Delayed monsoons and minimal precipitation further exacerbate the risk. Human activities, such as unsustainable harvesting of forest produce like tendu leaves and mahua flowers, and land clearing for agriculture, particularly shifting cultivation in the Eastern Ghats, also play a critical role. Additionally, the state’s predominance of dry deciduous forests makes it particularly susceptible to surface fires.
Due to its vast forest cover and a combination of climatic and anthropogenic factors, the state remains vulnerable to fires, resulting in significant ecological and economic losses.
In 2023-2024 fire season, Andhra Pradesh saw substantial forest fire activity. The state recorded 1,793 detections using the (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) MODIS sensor, a decrease from 2,526 in the previous year.
Using the (Suomi National Polar Partnership – Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) SNPP-VIIRS sensor, 18,174 detections were made, slightly lower than the 19,367 detections in 2022-2023. The total burnt forest area in the state stood at a staggering 5,286.76 sq km, making Andhra Pradesh the most affected state in India. Comparatively, Maharashtra and Telangana reported burnt areas of 4,095.04 sq km and 3,983.28 sq km, respectively. ASR district of AP ranked second nationwide with 6,399 forest fire detections in 2023-2024, a marked increase from 3,639 in the previous season. Nationally, AP ranked fourth in terms of forest fire detections, trailing Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, Telangana stood at the seventh position. AP also contributes significantly to India’s 11.34 percent forest cover classified as “extremely to very highly fire-prone,” highlighting its vulnerability to fire-related incidents.
Multiple factors contribute to the prevalence of forest fires in Andhra Pradesh. Climatic conditions, including prolonged dry seasons, high temperatures, and low humidity, are significant contributors. Delayed monsoons and minimal precipitation further exacerbate the risk. Human activities, such as unsustainable harvesting of forest produce like tendu leaves and mahua flowers, and land clearing for agriculture, particularly shifting cultivation in the Eastern Ghats, also play a critical role. Additionally, the state’s predominance of dry deciduous forests makes it particularly susceptible to surface fires.
