Arunachal Pradesh has been hit by its most intense forest fire season in years. Between January and April 2026, a staggering 323 fires have been recorded across the state.
These severe blazes have devastated significant portions of the region’s forests, orchards, and farms. The impact on the local environment and livelihoods is substantial.
The fires spread rapidly due to a combination of factors. Prolonged dry weather, which has lasted for months without rain, created tinderbox conditions. Additionally, shrinking forest buffers and the practice of jhum-related burning contributed to the rapid escalation and spread of the fires.
Source: Down To Earth