Maharashtra Reports Over 1,000 Forest Fires In 2025, Ranks Second In India
Maharashtra Reports Over 1,000 Forest Fires In 2025, Ranks Second In India
Pune, April 9, 2025: Maharashtra has witnessed a sharp increase in forest fires this year, recording over 1,000 major incidents between January 1 and April 7, 2025. The figure is nearly double the 515 forest fires reported during the same period in 2024, positioning Maharashtra as the second-highest state in India for forest fires after Madhya Pradesh, and ahead of Chhattisgarh.
Data provided by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) through satellite monitoring confirmed this worrying surge. According to forest officials, nearly 99% of the fires are human-induced, with most cases emerging from central Maharashtra. The use of fire in agricultural practices, especially for collecting tendu and mahua leaves, continues to be a significant contributor.
Officials further highlighted that inaccessible terrain has hindered timely response by fire management teams, particularly in remote forest zones. In urban areas such as Pune and Thane, the risk of fires is compounded by littering, which can lead to accidental ignition and the release of toxic pollutants like dioxins.
To combat the growing threat, the Maharashtra Forest Department has launched a GIS-based portal to monitor fire-prone zones and is working on integrating artificial intelligence tools for better prediction and prevention. The department is also contemplating strict action, including cancelling licenses of vendors and dealers who are found encouraging or engaging in fire-related activities.
Experts are also drawing attention to the impact of climate change, citing reduced soil moisture and the proliferation of dry grasses as key factors increasing fire vulnerability during the summer season.
The steep rise in fire incidents underscores the urgent need for public awareness, stricter regulations, and improved monitoring systems to curb both natural and man-made forest fires in the state.
