Nepal Launches Forest Fire Management Week to Boost Awareness and Control Efforts

Kathmandu. The 'Forest Fire Management Week' has begun today under the theme 'Effectiveness in Forest Fire Control: Participation of Three Tiers of Government and Community'. The Ministry of Forests and Environment observes the 'Forest Fire Management Week' annually from Chaitra 1 to 7, in accordance with the Forest Fire Management Strategy, 2067.

The week is being observed with various programs aimed at enhancing public awareness for the reduction and control of forest fires. On this occasion, Minister for Forests and Environment, Madhav Prasad Chawlaigain, stated that enhancing public awareness for the reduction and control of wildfires is extremely important. He requested all Division Forest Offices, Forest User Groups, development and conservation partner organizations, and relevant stakeholders to conduct various awareness programs in their respective areas during the week.

According to the Ministry, the week will feature public awareness programs, community and school-level orientation, publicity campaigns, information dissemination through local media, monitoring of high-risk areas, construction of fire lines in forest areas, cleaning, and other appropriate fire management activities.

Director General of the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, Dhirendra Kumar Pradhan, stated that wildfires have been observed spreading across all provinces of the country. He noted that the risk of wildfires is particularly high in Sudurpashchim, Bagmati, and Karnali provinces. He informed that the geographical distribution of wildfires indicates a high risk in the Terai-Chure and mid-hill forest areas.

According to him, the risk of forest fires in Nepal remains high from Falgun to Jestha, especially with the onset of the dry season. The Department stated that effective advance preparation, coordination, and public awareness are necessary for the prevention and control of wildfires, as fires cause serious negative impacts on forest resources, biodiversity, environmental balance, water resources, human health, and public property.