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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 28/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (28-03-2025).

UPSC Mains GS Paper-3 Question:

“Forest fires in Assam are no longer seasonal or localized – they have become a systemic ecological and governance challenge. Critically examine the causes, impacts, and institutional responses to the increasing forest fires in Assam. Also suggest a holistic mitigation strategy.” (15 marks)

Model Answer:

Introduction
Assam, often called the ‘Green Lung of the Northeast,’ is now grappling with frequent forest fires—turning its ecological wealth into a crisis zone. This evolving disaster is no longer natural but deeply embedded in human action and governance inertia.

1. Rising Forest Fires in Assam: A Recent Snapshot

Over 3,500 fire incidents reported between Nov 2024–Mar 2025 (Assam Forest Dept.)
Major hotspots: Kaziranga, Nameri, Karbi Anglong
Assam ranked among top 5 Indian states in Forest Fire Vulnerability (FSI Report 2023)

2. Causes of Increasing Forest Fires

A. Environmental Triggers

Dry spells and Rainfall deficit – due to El Niño impact (IMD 2024)
Rising average temperatures – 1.5°C higher in NE India (IPCC Sixth Assessment)

B. Anthropogenic Factors

Jhum cultivation – slash-and-burn agriculture along forest fringes
Encroachments – settlements and illegal grazing disrupting forest integrity
Poaching activities – use of fire to divert forest patrols

C. Institutional Gaps

Lack of Early Warning Systems and fire detection drones
Weak inter-departmental coordination – forest, disaster, tribal welfare

3. Multidimensional Impacts

A. Ecological

Loss of endangered species habitats – e.g., one-horned rhino, hoolock gibbon
Degradation of wetlands and buffer zones – vital for migratory birds

B. Social & Economic

Threat to eco-tourism (e.g., Kaziranga revenue drop by 30% – ATDC 2023)
Health hazards – increase in respiratory ailments near forest belts

C. Climate Change Link

Forests lose carbon sink capacity – contributing to regional warming
Adds to India’s GHG emissions – ~3% from forest fires (MoEFCC, 2023)

4. Institutional Response: Current Efforts

Initiative	Key Features
Forest Fire Prevention Scheme	Fund allocation for watchtowers, fire-lines
Assam Forest Fire Action Plan	State-level satellite-based early monitoring
Joint Forest Management	Community involvement in fire watch and control
Van Agni Alert (FSI)	Real-time alerts using MODIS/Suomi satellite data

5. Way Forward: A Holistic Mitigation Strategy

A. Technological Upgradation

AI-driven prediction models and drones for real-time surveillance
(Example: Uttarakhand Drone Pilot – 2023)

B. Community Engagement

Forest Fire Volunteer Brigades in vulnerable villages
(Similar to Odisha’s fire resilience model)

C. Climate Adaptation Measures

Promote fire-resistant native species under CAMPA funds
Integrate fire risk in State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC)

D. Policy & Legal Reforms

Strengthen Assam Forest Regulation (AFR) for stricter encroachment control
Make Forest Fire Management Plans mandatory under Disaster Management Act

E. Institutional Coordination

Establish Inter-agency Task Force: Forest, Disaster, Revenue, Environment Depts
Link with Gram Panchayats and Tribal Councils for last-mile execution

Diagram: Forest Fire Response Ecosystem

Early Detection (AI, Satellites)

↓

Local Response (Community Brigades)

↓

Govt Action (Fire Lines, Patrol Units)

↓

Policy Reform (CAMPA, DM Act, AFR Amendments)

↓

Ecosystem Resilience & Fire Mitigation

Conclusion

Forest fires in Assam are not just ecological disturbances—they’re a test of our climate preparedness and governance depth. By blending community wisdom, tech innovation, and institutional synergy, Assam can reclaim its forests as sanctuaries—not sacrifice zones.

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