Context: Recently, a massive fire broke out inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan). The fire spread and destroyed around 10 sq km of forests despite timely satellite warnings and the availability of a real-time mobile application-based fire response system.
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warned in its annual Frontiers report released in February 2022 that wildfires — a natural phenomenon — have become more dangerous and now affect larger areas.
- A total of 381 forest fires have been reported in India by 30th March, 2022, according to the Forest Survey of India. Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of fires at 133.
- The fire began because of dry grass, leaves and plants because of reasons unknown to the park authorities.
About Sariska Tiger Reserve
- It is a national park located in Alwar district, Rajasthan.
- It is a part of the Aravalli Range and the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion
- Topography of the place is such that it consists of mountains, grasslands, dry deciduous forests and cliffs.
Fauna: jungle cats, rhesus macaque, sambhar, chital, wild boar, leopard, nilgai, four-horned antelope, langur, hyena, peafowl, harbours quail, sand grouse.
Vegetation: combination of the lush green region and the scattered shrubbery in the desert region.
- Dominant tree is Dhok tree.
Historical significance: presence of ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
- Architectural marvels within the reserve include Neelkanth Temple, Pandupol Hanuman Temple.
- It is rich in mineral resources, such as copper.
- It is the first reserve in the world with successfully relocated tigers.