Forest fire in India: a review of the knowledge base

Abstract

Forest fire has profound impacts on atmospheric chemistry, biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem structure. This feedback interaction may be hastened in climate change scenarios. In view of this, the present day knowledge about the forest fire condition in India has been reviewed. Operational monitoring, geospatial modelling and climate change uncertainties are discussed. Indicators for forest fire assessment and the role of geoinformatics tools in developing those parameters are identified. The need for developing an adaptive management strategy from the existing experience is emphasized, and specific points are recommended sector-wise with short- and long-term visions.

Keywords:

• Climate change
• Forest fire
• GIS
• Management plans
• Remote sensing

Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to Craig Hutton and Angela Harris for comments on the earlier version of the manuscript. Thanks are also due to P.S. Roy, V.K. Srivastava and A.P. Thomas for beneficial discussions and encouragement. Comments by the two anonymous reviewers have enhanced the quality of the manuscript.