Recipient Institution:
Centre for Environment and Development

T.C. 9/2598, Elankom Gardens, Vellayambalam, Trivandrum - 695010, Kerala, India

Tel/Fax: 91-471-2726793/ 91-471-2726792

Email: ceddir@vsnl.com

Project Leader:
Dr. Babu Ambat

Amount and Duration: US$ 30,000 / 24 months

Commencement Date:
July 2004

Abstract of Project
Western Ghats, one of the mega biodiversity hotspots, is under severe threat due to increasing human intervention. The increasing biotic pressure has led to the occurrences of forest fire, which is a major recurrent management problem in the area. During the last 12 years (between 1991 and 2003), more than 25,000 ha of forests of Kerala had been destroyed by fires and as many as 572 fires broke out in the forests of Kerala during the past two-and-a half months burning 9,152 hectares of forests.

Forest fire, the effect of natural and man caused catastrophe has emphasized the need for developing a broader view of many natural processes. It is quite clear that an innovative approach on fire hazard area modeling requires the use of new techniques for obtain, processing and displaying spatial information in a timely and cost effective manner. This brings remote sensing and geographical information system in the scenario.

The present project aims to develop the most effective method for a forest fire forecasting in southern Western Ghats by using GIS and Remote Sensing. The spatial data including topographic map, geological map etc. will be used to make forest fire hazard index. ERDAS IMAGINE 8.5, Arc/Info workstation 8.3/ Arc GIS Desktop 8.3, Arc IMS software will be used for image processing and spatial analyses

The early fire forecasting system developed by this project will help the Forest department to mange and conserve the fire prone areas more efficiently. This will also benefit the local communities residing in and around the forest whose livelihood depends entirely on natural resources. The forecasting and prevention of forest fire will reduce the degradation and loss of biodiversity of the area. Apart from biological values, the mountains of Western Ghats are essential water catchments for the entire Kerala State for drinking, agriculture, hydroelectric power, and industrial needs