Forest Fires and their Multidimensional Impact in India: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Forest fires pose a significant threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, climate stability, and human livelihoods, particularly in fire-prone regions like India. This review study investigates the causes, socioeconomic and environmental effects, and current management techniques of forest fires in order to better understand their complicated dynamics. The frequency and intensity of fires are rising due to both natural and man-made factors, such as shifting farming, climate change, and uncontrolled resource extraction. In addition to lowering biodiversity, degrading soil quality, and upsetting forest-based economies, forest fires also emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, which exacerbate global warming. The study emphasizes how forest fires affect tourism, endanger non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and worsen socioeconomic vulnerabilities, particularly in tribal groups. It also looks at how community-based forest management, remote sensing, and satellite data are being used more and more for early detection and reaction. This review, which draws from recent research and policy developments, highlights the necessity of integrated fire management strategies that combine community involvement, policy enforcement, and technology innovation in order to reduce the danger of forest fires and promote ecological resilience in India.