Consider the following: 1. Mizoram has had the highest number of forest fire incidences in the last two decades. 2. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra are the most prone to high-intensity forest fire events caused by rapid changes in the climate. 3. Forest fires are treated as natural disasters under the National Disaster Management Authority. Which of the above is/are correct in the context of the recent study 'Managing Forest Fires in a Changing Climate' released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)?

The correct answer is 1 and 2. In News According to a study(Managing Forest Fires in a Changing Climate) released by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), the frequency and intensity of forest fires, as well as the number of months in which such fires occur, have increased in the past two decades. Key Points Finding of the study : There has been a ten-fold increase in forest fires in the past two decades, and more than 62% of Indian states are prone to high-intensity forest fires. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra are the most prone to high-intensity forest fire events caused by rapid change in climate. Mizoram has had the highest number of forest fire incidences in the last two decades, with more than 95% of its districts being forest fire hotspots. Districts that were earlier flood prone have now become drought prone due to a “swapping trend” as a result of climatic changes. More than 75 % of Indian districts are extreme climate event hotspots, and more than 30 % of districts are extreme forest fire hotspots. Recommendations of CEEW : Recognise as a Disaster: The forest fires should be treated as “natural disasters” and be brought under the National Disaster Management Authority. Develop Alert system: A forest fire only alert system needs to be developed that can provide real time impact-based alerts. Enhance Adaptive Capacity: Capacity-building initiatives targeted at district administrations and forest-dependent communities can avert the extent of loss and damage due to forest fires. Provide Clean Air Shelters: The state government/ state forest departments (SFDs) should repurpose public buildings like government schools and community halls by fitting them with clean air solutions – like air filters – to create clean air shelters for communities worst impacted by fires and smoke from forest fires.