https://doi.org/10.51514/JSTR.8.2.2026.15-21
Rachna and Devendra Singh
Forest fires have become a recurring environmental challenge in the Himalayan region. It is causing significant ecological, economic, and social damage. Indigenous Garhwali communities in the Garhwal Himalayan reign possess valuable traditional knowledge of preventing and managing forest fires. This knowledge, developed through generations of close interaction with local ecosystems. It remains largely undocumented and is gradually disappearing due to migration. Documenting and preserving such knowledge is essential for sustainable forest management. This is also valuable for educating future generations about locally relevant environmental practices. The objectives of the study are 1. To explore local communities’ knowledge, experiences regarding indigenous forest fire prevention methods. 2. To document indigenous Garhwali methods employed for preventing and managing forest fires. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design. Data were collected using a walking methodology. In which the researcher learns directly from local communities within their natural environment in live forest fire sites. Data were recorded through field notes and narratives and analysed thematically. The population comprised villages located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Two villages of Pauri Garhwal district, Sirkhot Khanda and Khola were purposively selected as a sample. The study revealed a diverse method of indigenous forest fire prevention practiced by local communities. One of them is seasonal removal of dry pine needles. The study highlights the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous Garhwali forest fire prevention methods. As it is valuable source of traditional ecological knowledge. These practices offer locally adapted strategies for reducing forest fire risks. It promotes sustainable forest management. Incorporating these traditional regional methods into environmental education of school curriculum can help ensure its transmission to younger generations. Thus, this study helps in strengthening both cultural continuity and ecological resilience in the Himalayan region.
Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, Forest Fire Prevention, Himalaya, Environmental Education, Walking Methodology, Traditional Ecological Knowledge etc.