Eastern Ghats Witness Rising Wildfires, Western Ghats See Decline: Study
Eastern Ghats Witness Rising Wildfires, Western Ghats See Decline: Study
IN · Published Oct 27, 2026
• A 21-year study using NASA's MODIS satellite data has revealed contrasting wildfire trends in southern India.
• The Eastern Ghats have experienced a 9.3% annual increase in burnt areas, while the Western Ghats have seen a significant 10.8% annual decline.

Impact & Risks

The rising wildfire activity in the Eastern Ghats poses risks to biodiversity, forest ecosystems, and local communities. Human activities, such as using fire for forest product collection and grazing, exacerbate the situation in certain reserves like Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Conversely, active fire suppression in areas like Nagarahole National Park has reduced fire incidents. Excessive burning can threaten biodiversity, while complete fire exclusion may disrupt ecological processes. The study highlights the importance of balancing fire management to mitigate risks while preserving ecosystem health.

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