Firewood distribution begins in Tikapur as cold intensifies
Local organizations and community forests have collaborated to ensure people can light fires at key locations to stay warm.
KATHMANDU: As the cold weather intensifies in the Tikapur area of Kailali, firewood distribution has begun in various public spaces.
Local organizations and community forests have collaborated to ensure people can light fires at key locations to stay warm.
Cold temperatures, along with fog, mist, and the cold wave, have made life difficult in the Terai region over the past five days. In response, the Tikapur Municipality has arranged for firewood distribution in the area.
The (CPN-UML) Municipal Committee has worked with Bhurakhani Community Forest to collect tree roots, creating a fire-warming system in public spaces.
Laxman Thapa, the party’s municipal chairperson, shared that they have been utilizing tractors and JCBs to transport tree roots from the community forest to set up fires in various areas of the market.
Balbahadur Bik, secretary of the Bhurakhani Community Forest Office, stated that firewood had been provided following public requests for firewood to be arranged in public spaces. “We have arranged to provide firewood by extracting tree roots and placing them at different locations for people to warm themselves,” he said.
The Tikapur Municipality-4 has also set up fire-warming stations in its ward. Ward Chair Lalbir Chaudhary explained that they have started distributing firewood by digging up fallen trees and roots to ensure residents are kept warm. “As part of the Makar Sankranti celebrations, it’s customary to light fires in villages. Given the cold, we have started distributing firewood to bring relief to the people,” he said.
Similarly, the Satti Karnali Community Forest in Tikapur-7 has also planned to distribute firewood to elderly citizens. Chairman Jitaram Chaudhary confirmed that, as in previous years, firewood would be provided by extracting tree roots from the community forest. “Last year, we distributed firewood to 70 locations, and we will do the same this year. Additionally, non-users of the forest in the area will also receive firewood,” he said.
Local residents have mentioned that having fires at public places will make it easier for people walking along the streets to find warmth.
