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New Delhi: A large population of  the endangered Tahrs has been roasted alive in raging forest fires in Uttarakhand

Experts are asking pertinent questions in the wake of the Tehri disaster. Those in knowledgeable circles want to know what caused porosity, fragmentation of consolidated forest canopy and loss of growing stock leading to reduction in “crown density” that in turn has caused massive loss of moisture and the resultant inferno.

What should not be lost track of is the fact that under the Forest Right Act, 2007, 1.91 crore acres of forest land has been distributed to tribals and forest dwellers up to 31 December 2017.

People should also know that the Parliament passed and the Forest Rights Act was enacted in 2007 without understanding, and analysing the impact of the legislation.

The Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is a large even-toed ungulate native to the Himalayas in southern Tibet, northern Pakistan, northern India and Nepal. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, as the population is declining due to hunting and habitat loss.