Division Forest Office Launches Initiatives to Control Forest Fires in Arghakhanchi

Arghakhanchi. The Division Forest Office has launched various programs to control forest fires and minimize potential damage here. Keshar Khadka, Information Officer at the Division Forest Office, informed that a special forest fire control squad has been appointed to make forest fire control and risk management effective.

The squad formed under the leadership of the Division Forest Office is arranged to have a 12-member team. The team has been kept on standby with necessary equipment and a mini-fire engine.

According to Information Officer Khadka, arrangements have been made for the 12-member team to be mobilized throughout the district until the end of Jestha (Baisakh/Jestha Masaantha). He informed that the team will be deployed for monitoring and immediate control in various forest areas, targeting the time when the risk of fire is high.

An interaction program was also organized among stakeholders at the beginning of the week. The program was attended by Senior Forest Officer Santabahadur Thing, Ram Bahadur Ghalan, Chief of Land and Watershed Office Rakesh Kunwar, Officer Arun Acharya, representatives from local levels, security personnel, representatives of Community Forest Consumer Groups, and other stakeholders.

The interaction discussed the causes, impact, and preventive measures for forest fires. Participants emphasized that the active role of the local community, along with government agencies, is extremely important in controlling forest fires.

On this occasion, a new digital system was also launched to streamline the collection of forest fire data and information management. Arrangements have been made for all six sub-division forest offices within the district to enter data regarding forest fire incidents into the online system within 24 hours of occurrence.

With the launch of the online seat named 'Forest Fire Reporting 2082/083', it is expected that data related to fires will be collected on time, making it easier to make necessary decisions. Since controlling forest fires is crucial for maintaining forest conservation, biodiversity, and environmental balance, the concerned bodies have urged everyone to exercise caution. Local residents have been requested to cooperate in controlling fires by immediately reporting any fire seen in the forest area.