Over 5,100 forest fires affected 11,580 hectares in Maharashtra in 2023-24: Minister Naik

Maharashtra witnessed over 5,100 forest fires in 2023-24, impacting nearly 11,600 hectares. Gadchiroli alone reported over 7,000 incidents. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik revealed this in the assembly, also noting over 3.5 lakh trees were illegally felled in five years. The state is employing AI for better monitoring and awareness campaigns to combat these fires, with strict action promised against offenders.