The current study analyzes the tree diversity and regeneration status of species between repeated forest fires and unburned areas of the tropical dry deciduous forest of Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Fire frequency maps were prepared with the help of Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images, and the study area was classified into seven fire frequency classes (B1 to B7) and one control class (B0). Five plots were laid in every fire class including the control. A total of 45 tree species belonging to 33 genera and 20 families were recorded during the study period and of these, 44, 26, and 25 species were recorded in the three-growth stages: trees, saplings, and seedlings, respectively. Of the 7873 individuals recorded, 2667, 1243, and 3963 were seedlings, saplings, and trees, respectively. Our results showed that tree species diversity was higher at moderate fire frequencies than controls, but decreased with increasing fire frequency classes. Regeneration of species was significantly different among all fire frequency classes. Certain fire-tolerant species were increasingly dominant with increasing fire frequency classes. With fires left to continue unabated, the dry deciduous forest of the Central Indian region could have lower tree diversity in the future.

Forest fires are one of the most common natural and anthropogenic events that have long-term impacts on the environment. In this study, we analyzed 17 years of data on forest fires in Chhattisgarh, India, using active fire and burned area data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. Chhattisgarh was selected as the study area due to its high incidences of forest fires, significant forest cover, and scarce studies on forest fires. Our findings showed that the number of forest fires in the region increased over time, from 1487 forest fires in 2005 to 3074 forest fires in 2021, with the highest number of fires occurring in 2017 and 2009. Most of the fires occurred in deciduous broadleaf forests and savannas, following a consistent seasonal pattern, with the highest percentage of fires (88.88%) occurring in March, April, and May. The fire hotspot was located in the southwest region, dominated by deciduous broadleaf forests which are particularly prone to fires. These results emphasize the significance of effective fire management strategies that consider the seasonal and annual variability of forest fires, particularly in high-risk areas. Immediate attention to controlling forest fires is also critical to minimize its impact on the environment and local communities.

India has been witnessing a rise in forest fire frequency and intensity due to climate change factors such as increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts. These changes pose severe risks to biodiversity, carbon stocks, and forest-dependent communities, making assessing the climate change–forest fire relationship essential. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on climate change-induced forest fires in India, their ecological and socio-economic impacts, and current adaptation measures. Forests cover 21.67% of India’s land, and 36% are prone to forest fire incidents. The literature revealed a strong correlation between increasing temperatures and increased forest fire events, especially in the Western Ghats, Himalayas, Northeastern region, and central India. Major ecological impacts comprise habitat loss, soil degradation, and increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, while socio-economic consequences vary from livelihood difficulties to health issues. Despite technological advancements in early warning systems, community involvement, policy integration, and resource limitations remain. The study demonstrates the necessity for climate-resilient forest fire management by promoting community-based adaptation, upgrading forest fire monitoring networks, and integrating forest fire risk assessment into climate action and Sustainable Development Goal-13 (SDG-13) plans are essential. Addressing India’s forest fire risk calls for an integrated approach combining scientific findings, reforms to policy, and community involvement, which is crucial for safeguarding India’s ecosystems and vulnerable populations in a changing climatic scenario.

Cropland residue burning is one of the major causes of the emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere, and is a major global environmental problem. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in greenhouse gas emissions from cropland residue burning in Chhattisgarh, India. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) active fire data was analyzed over a 21-year (2001–2021) period, and associated greenhouse gas emissions were estimated. A total of 64,370 fire points were recorded for all land cover types. The number of cropland fires increased from 49 to 1368 between 2001 and 2021, with a burning peak observed between December and March. Fires in cropland areas contributed to 32.4% (19,878) of the total fire counts in the last 21 years. The total estimated emissions of greenhouse gases between 2001 and 2021 ranged from 421.5 to 37,233 Gg, with an annual rate of emission of 8972 Gg from wheat residue burning, and from 435.45 to 64,108.1 Gg, with an annual emission of 15,448.16 Gg from rice residue burning. The Chhattisgarh plain region was the cropland fire hotspot of the state. The present study indicates increased cropland residue-burning activity in Chhattisgarh. Therefore, there is an immediate need to develop sustainable alternative methods for agricultural residue management and eco-friendly methods for the disposal of crop residues.