Youth in Uttarakhand Are Fighting Forest Fires: Thanks to a Novel Initiative Started in 2022
Community Driven Efforts ~ In Uttarakhand, guided by The Hans Foundation, community efforts have effectively reduced forest fire occurrences in 1,000 villages, despite rising instances due to human activity and climate change. About The Hans Foundation ~ (Source: Google Images) Founded in 2009, the Hans Foundation is a Public Charitable Trust that finances Indian not-for-profit groups. The organization's primary focus areas of involvement include disability, education, health, and livelihoods. To solve the major concerns of poverty reduction, economic inequality, and the 360° impact on living quality through social development initiatives, THF's strategic strategy focuses on important areas of its activity. The majority of THF's projects are carried out in the nation's most remote and impoverished locations. To attain size and economy via sustainable interventions, THF has increased the scope of its philanthropic work throughout the years in partnership with institutions, corporations, state and federal governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The foundation carries out activities at the national level as well as grassroots initiatives. ~ Forest Fires ~ This is a yearly occurrence in Uttarakhand! Notably, a total of 1,443 forest fire occurrences were reported in the 2022 season; these incidents included 642 in Garhwal, 724 in Kumaon, and 77 in protected wildlife zones. Tale Of Pritam ~ (Source: Google Images) After finishing his postgraduate studies in 2022, Pritam decided to remain in his village, in contrast to the majority of young people who move to cities in quest of better career possibilities. He claims, "I did not want to leave my native place." Pritam, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) graduate, has volunteered to become a fireman and is presently getting ready for the Government tests. Pritam claims to have seen several forest fires while growing up in Pauri Garhwal, including the horrifying flames of 2022. He said that Chir Pine trees, which are abundant in organic polymers, cover a huge area. He notes that because of this, they are more prone to catch fire and get involved in forest fires. Highlighting the reasons that cause forest fires ~ Incidences of forest fires are common between February and mid-July. These fires are exacerbated largely by human activities such as slash-and-burn agriculture, the use of fire for land clearance, and reckless disposal of lit beedi and cigarettes. Besides, there is also a myth among local villagers that if they set the forest ablaze, it induces rain that will yield nutritious fodder for livestock. These fires not only result in the loss of valuable forest resources and wildlife but also affect humans in direct and indirect ways. It pollutes the water sources that originate from forests. It also increases their risk of drying up. Usually, villagers store firewood and fodder in their homes. And when these forest fires reach these habitations, they take a dreadful form. Recognizing the importance of protecting the state's abundant flora and wildlife, The Hans Foundation (THF), an NGO situated in Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR), launched community-led initiatives in 2022 to reduce forest fires in the region and encourage ecological balance and environmental protection. To lower the frequency of forest fires, the organization recruited volunteer firefighters, such as Pritam. ~ Preventing fires by involving the community: (Source: Google Images) (Source: Google Images) Like many other volunteers, Pritam received extensive training in handling forest fires after THF's participation. Because of this, he was more equipped and ready to handle any unfavorable situations like the ones that happened in 2022. He was also able to react to the emergency and put out any possible fire accidents. Similar to Pritam, 5,066 youth firefighters have received training under THF's forest fire prevention effort in 1,000 villages throughout 10 development blocks in the districts of Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Almora, and Bageshwar. Furthermore, THF has improved community resilience in 2024 by resurrecting the "Van Panchayat," a neighborhood organization in charge of managing the forest. It has also promoted the planting of species resistant to wildfires and raised awareness through Nukkad Natak, street play, rallies, wall writing, quiz competitions, radio programs, and jingles.
