Wildfire in India — Green alert

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

Wildfires persisted in India from April 12-15, occurring simultaneously across multiple regions including the Belapur Hills near Mumbai and Assam state. This nationwide surge in wildfires has prompted experts to call for stronger response measures, and the situation is classified as medium-grade risk.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Mumbai region logistics network: Belapur Hills fires could potentially impact transportation and logistics infrastructure in the Navi Mumbai area, raising concerns about connectivity to the hinterland of India's major western port city
• Assam agricultural supply chain: Forest fires in Assam threaten tea cultivation areas and agricultural production base, increasing instability in northeastern India's agricultural supply chain
• Timber and forest product supply: Nationwide wildfires expected to disrupt production and supply of forest products including timber, bamboo, and medicinal herbs
• Air quality deterioration: Smoke from widespread wildfires degrades air quality in manufacturing regions, indirectly affecting production activities and logistics transportation

3. Watch points

• Spread scope: Track whether wildfires spread to additional regions such as Himachal Pradesh and their proximity to major industrial complexes and transportation networks
• Pre-monsoon preparations: Monitor potential for additional wildfire outbreaks during the dry period before the May-June monsoon season and government response system enhancement measures