20 ward areas in Khotang at high risk of forest fires

KATHMANDU: A total of 20 wards in Khotang, comprising 10 local levels, have been identified as being at high risk for forest fires.

The District Disaster Management Committee, along with the Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan, has classified 20 of the 79 wards from two municipalities and eight rural municipalities as highly vulnerable to wildfires.

According to the Division Forest Office, Khotang, the wards at high risk include Diktel, Jalpa, Buipa, and Halesi Tuwachung Municipalities, as well as the rural municipalities of Bakhundanda in Rawa Besi, Aiselukharka, and others like Khotehang, which is particularly vulnerable.

In addition to these, Khotang’s local areas such as Khotehang and neighboring regions including Likuwa Pokhari, Baplukha, Sawakathe, Chipreng, and others, have been classified as high-risk zones for forest fires, with the Division Office taking preventive measures.

As the dry season and windy conditions begin, the district has classified the fire risk across 79 wards, with 20 identified as high risk, 22 as medium risk, and 37 as low risk.

Forest authorities have stated they are increasing awareness and providing necessary tools to prevent fires.

Plans are underway to distribute informative materials, conduct local media campaigns, and provide fire-fighting supplies.

According to Division Forest Officer Udim Prasad Rai, this effort aims to help curb wildfires with coordinated efforts from local police, security forces, and communities.

Over the past year, 65 instances of forest fires were reported, and this year, early season fires have already damaged homes in areas like Halesi Tuwachung.

Despite these ongoing concerns, no legal actions have been taken against individuals involved in fire-related offenses.

Under the Forest Act 2076, any act of setting fire to national forests or causing wildfires can result in fines of up to Rs 60,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

However, no legal action has been taken against those responsible for the wildfires in the district thus far.