Mongabay · Climate & nature

Women Lead Uttarakhand's Fight Against Expanding Forest Fires

In Uttarakhand, women are on the frontlines of combating forest fires, driven by tradition and male out-migration. They protect their communities despite lacking formal training and equipment.

Uttarakhand faces expanding wildfire seasons due to warming. Fires make daily chores like gathering fodder more arduous and dangerous.

Women are first responders due to their roles and male migration. This leaves them responsible for protecting villages.

Women are rarely paid for firefighting, unlike hired male fire watchers. They often organize themselves to alert others.

Fires disrupt women's lives, threatening access to resources like firewood and fodder. Cattle rearing, a key income source, is also impacted.

Women use sickles to fight fires, working long hours with injuries and lacking safety gear. Flammable sarees are common.

Incidents highlight personal risks and trauma. Delayed compensation erodes trust in official support.

Women remain excluded from decision-making and formal roles, despite their crucial efforts. Their role is often overlooked.

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