India lost 38,100 hectares of tree cover to forest fires in over 2 decades

Globally, 2023 stands out as the year with the highest tree cover lost due to fires

The devastating forest fires in Uttarakhand, captured by satellite images, have brought widespread attention to the extensive destruction they have caused. This attention comes alongside ongoing litigation around managing forest fires.

In India, the peak fire season typically begins in late February and spans about 12 weeks. Every year, it leaves behind a trail of devastation. Since 2001, India has witnessed the loss of 38,100 hectares of tree cover to forest fires. 

The highest loss of tree cover was recorded in 2008, when overall 3 million hectares were gone as a result of forest fires, deforestation and other drivers of