Maharashtra Forest Fires Triple in 2025, Now Rank Second

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Maharashtra has experienced 1,245 large forest fires in the year 2025. These fires contribute to what forest ecologists call “pyrogenic events”.

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Data shows an increased number of alerts in Maharashtra, placing the state among one of the top 5 states receiving the highest number of fire alerts in the last 7 days.

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Reasons behind man-made fires include the burning of tendu and mahua for harvesting efficiency. These anthropogenic disturbances increase the likelihood of forest fires.

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Rugged terrains of Maharashtra make it inaccessible for firefighters and also contribute to an increased rate of spreading of forest fires.

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Farmers burning dry grass in summer, for their cattle to graze, which contributes to the Sahyadri’s fire indirectly, comments Gurudas Nulkar.

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Low soil moisture retention can lead to the formation of seasonal grasses, which turn into highly combustible fuels over time, during summer.

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In urban areas, burning plastics can release dioxins, which contribute to forest fires. Excessive collection of plastic waste leads to drastic disposal methods.

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Technological countermeasures and the application of artificial intelligence are being actively implemented by the government and experts.

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A complex understanding of the hotspots, ecosystems, and environmental conditions is required to curate a complex preventive measure for these fires.

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