A study on Socio-Economic and Ecological consequences of Forest Fires in Uttarakhand India

Uttarakhand known for its Glaciers, holly rivers, biodiversity, peaceful and pollution free environment since ancient period. This is a land of spirituality, land of Tap and land of God (Devbhoomi). Famous Hindu temples Kedarnath, Sri Badrinath, Yamnotri and Gangotri located in this state. The origin point, Gaumukh of river Ganga also located near Gangotri. The state has total area of 53,566 km2 ,86% land of state covered with mountain and 65% area of the state covered with forest. The vegetation of the state can divide into four zones i.e., Sub-tropical, temperate, sub alpine and alpine. Temperate, sub alpine and alpine zones have occupied by mainly various species of Pinus (Chir) with several other species of plants. The dry chir leaves usually cover the almost all forest land during summer seasons. The dry leaves of chir are useless. Some locals use these leaves for cattle bed and sheds only. During summer season these leaves caught fire and massively damage the vegetation and wild life of the state. The forest fires are also responsible for loss the human life also every year. Government spends about Rs. 2500 to 3000 lacs of amount to protect the forest from fire and forest management every year. The proper utilization and management of chir leaves may be very useful to control the forest fire. The chir leaves can be used properly precured and processed to convert into brickqettes. These brickquetts are used in several industries for fulfilment of energy. The proper use of chir leaves not only prevents damages of forest and wild life it also reduces the forest fire prevention cost. The industries based on chir leaves also generate revenue and employment of the state. Such industries may help to make woman groups economically sound.