Banke local bodies distribute firewood to counter cold wave
The firewood, purchased from various community forests through the Divisional Forest Office, Banke, will be distributed based on ward-level demand.
KATHMANDU: As temperatures drop and a cold wave sets in, local authorities in Nepalgunj have begun arrangements to provide firewood at public places.
Deependra Shrestha, the disaster focal person for Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, said that within two days, firewood will be distributed to help residents stay warm.
The firewood, purchased from various community forests through the Divisional Forest Office, Banke, will be distributed based on ward-level demand.
“We are still discussing, and distribution will be done according to the need of each ward,” Shrestha said. He also mentioned that awareness materials will be prepared to educate the public on protection against the cold.
Mahesh Gurung, Assistant Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office, Banke, said that a disaster response plan has been drafted and shared with local authorities and relevant stakeholders.
This year, over 35,000 families, roughly 180,000 people in Banke, are expected to be affected by the cold wave.
According to the Cold Wave Preparedness and Response Plan for 2082, the district anticipates that 35,572 families, totaling 179,220 people, could be impacted. Information Officer Rupan Gyawali noted that rural areas are likely to be more affected than urban centers.
Among the most affected areas are Nerepur, Rapti Sonari, Janaki, Dudwa, and Baijanath Rural Municipalities, while Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Kohalpur Municipality, and Khajura Rural Municipality are expected to be less impacted.
The plan estimates that 8,524 families (42,620 people) in Nepalgunj, 4,138 families (20,694 people) in Kohalpur, 3,193 families (15,967 people) in Khajura, 3,889 families (19,448 people) in Janaki, 3,520 families (17,603 people) in Baijanath, 3,872 families (19,363 people) in Rapti Sonari, 4,218 families (22,134 people) in Nerepur, and 4,218 families (21,091 people) in Dudwa are likely to be affected.
Banke, known for extreme heat in summer and severe cold in winter, often experiences harsh conditions during cold waves.
