A thorn in the flesh

Efforts to manage and expand Southwest Bengal's dry deciduous forests have evolved over centuries, yet forest fires remain a major challenge

- Singaram Kulandaivel

Over the centuries, from the British era of forest management to the present day, numerous efforts have been made to create and expand vegetation in the red and lateritic Sal-dominated dry deciduous forests of Southwest Bengal. The objective and purpose of forest management have evolved in response to the changing vision of policymakers, alongside the evolving needs and significance of forests over time.

One of the most prominent and persistent challenges faced by these forests has been forest fires. These fires occur most frequently during the hot, dry period, typically from mid-February to May. In a few exceptional years, intermittent rains have broken the cycle of dry weather, but such instances have been rare.

The changing landscape of forest management

In recent decades, particularly since the 1990s, the Forest Department of the Government of West Bengal has made concerted efforts to plant thousands of hectares of forests annually. In some cases, these plantations are managed through coppicing, with species like Acacia being clear-felled after reaching their pre-designated rotational maturity. However, certain native species—such as Mahul, Bahera, Piyal, Haldu, Simul, Palash, and Neem to name a few—are retained in the forest for the long term, contributing to the diversity and ecological health of the area.

In the red-lateritic zone of Southwest Bengal, the combination of hot, dry weather, prolonged dry spells, and the shedding of leaves by deciduous trees creates an environment ripe for forest fires. During this time, the Sal-dominant forests, in particular, shed their entire canopy of leaves. This abundant layer of dry litter, combined with high temperatures and strong winds, creates an ideal environment for fires, particularly ground fires, to spread rapidly.

The role of humans in forest fires