Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 23: Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries recorded no major forest fire incidents this summer, with officials crediting the result to improved early-warning systems, predictive technology, faster field response and stronger coordination between agencies and local communities.

According to Forest Survey of India data covering 2006 to 2026, fire incidents in Goa’s protected areas remained low and sporadic—ranging between one and seven cases annually until 2017—before witnessing a sharp increase from 2019 onwards.

To strengthen early detection and preparedness, the Forest Department has signed an MoU with BITS Pilani, whose researchers are developing mathematical and GIS-based models to assess fire risk, analyse weather conditions and issue advance alerts.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kamal Datta said the collaboration is helping generate sanctuary-wise fire risk forecasts, which were shared with officials during the 2025–26 fire season as part of experimental trials.

BITS Goa climate scientist Rajiv Kumar Chaturvedi said the Fire Weather Index (FWI)-based model predicted “no to low to moderate” fire risk across most of the season, largely due to high humidity levels.

However, he cautioned that predictive tools alone are not sufficient to prevent forest fires, stressing that early detection remains a critical challenge. He noted that while satellite-based alerts are useful, they still have limitations, and further technological improvements are being explored to strengthen real-time detection systems.

Forest officials also emphasised that technology must be supported by strong ground-level response. PCCF Kamal Datta said that despite advances in forecasting, immediate physical action in the field remains essential for effective fire control.

To improve response times, the department has increased the number of fire watchers, patrol teams and rapid response units, while also upgrading firefighting equipment across forest divisions.

Officials have also established taluka-level communication groups connecting forest staff with police, agriculture officers, panchayat bodies, revenue authorities and local farmers, ensuring that alerts trigger coordinated and immediate action.

The protected forest areas include major wildlife sanctuaries such as Mollem, Bondla, Cotigao, Mhadei and Netravali, along with adjoining reserved forest regions around Bondla.