Jharkhand struggles with forest fires and limited resources

The Jharkhand forest department is facing challenges in managing forest fires due to a lack of skilled manpower and advanced equipment. Recent reports indicate seven large fires across the state, primarily in West Singhbhum district. Frontline staff are limited to basic tools like fire blowers and rakes, making it difficult to control fires in tough terrains. In contrast, other states like Meghalaya and Uttarakhand use helicopters and advanced technology for fire management. The department plans to acquire better equipment and technology by 2026, including a pilot project using artificial intelligence in Palamu Tiger Reserve. They have also identified high-risk areas and conducted mock drills with local villagers to improve preparedness.