754 cases of wildfire recorded so far this year
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 24 2025: Not even five months into 2025, Manipur has witnessed a staggering 754 large-scale cases of wildfire so far, the highest figure in five years.

Altogether, Manipur has reported 7,714 cases of wildfire so far this year, with Churachandpur Forest Division recording the highest number.

According to official reports, 2023 saw the highest number of wildfires in the last five years, with 10,170 cases recorded while 2021 recorded 80 cases, the lowest in the period.

2024, on the other hand, documented 5539 cases of wildfire.

The Forest Divisions reporting the maximum number of wildfire are Chu-rachandpur, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul.

While Churachandpur reported 1,152 wildfire this year so far, Tamenglong and Ukhrul reported 1325 and 1,152 respectively.

Additionally, several other Forest Divisions have reported wildfire this year, including Central Forest Division (104 cases), Jiribam Division (566 cases), Kangpokpi Division (768 cases), Tengnoupal Division (991 cases), Thoubal Division (123 cases), Senapati Division (678 cases), and Bishnupur Division (56 cases) .

A source at the Forest Department said that climate change is one of the biggest factors contributing to the increasing cases of wildfire in the hill districts.

Change in rainfall patterns, lower humidity levels, and diminished new vegetation growth are key factors that contribute to wildfire, they said.

They have launched an initiative to prevent wildfire using the Forest Fire Monitoring and Management System (FRAMS), in collaboration with the North East Space Application Centre, Shillong.

This involves studying high-risk months and areas, as well as factors that contribute to wildfire.

FRAMS will also enable the Forest Department to promptly identify areas of deforestation, they added.

The first phase of the FRAMS application is complete, and once operational, it will enable monitoring from the Forest Headquarters.

The application will allow the Forest Headquarters to track and monitor key issues such as encroachment in forest areas, poppy plantations, and wildfire.

A mobile version of the FRAMS application is in the works.

The Forest officials went on to state that a Forest Fire and Disaster Control Room has been established at the Forest Headquarters, wire-lessly connecting Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) and the headquarters.

The Forest Department is working to provide the same facility to Forest Beat offices too.

The Forest officials continued that they also receive support from local communities in monitoring wildfires, and have established Village Forest Fire Committees in addition to the existing Joint Forest Management Committees.

Efforts are underway to register mobile numbers of local clubs and individuals with the Forest Survey of India, so that they can receive alerts during wildfires, they added.

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