Stakeholders Assert Forest Fire Control Requires More Than Just Government Efforts in Nepal

Kathmandu. Stakeholders have stated that controlling forest fires in Nepal is not possible through government efforts alone.

Participants at an interaction program organized on Monday on the occasion of Forest Fire Awareness Week, themed 'Effectiveness in Forest Fire Control, Participation of Three Tiers of Government and Community,' expressed concern over the massive forest destruction, loss of biodiversity, impact on environmental balance, and damage to life and property caused by annual forest fires.

They emphasized that since controlling forest fires cannot be achieved solely through government efforts, the shared responsibility and active participation of local bodies, forest user groups, security personnel, and all stakeholders are indispensable.

Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Forest and Environment, stated that effective coordination between policy, planning, and implementation is necessary for forest fire control. He mentioned the need to prioritize forest fire control while focusing on resource management, public awareness enhancement, and the use of technology.

He said, "Although the risk from forest fires may appear naturally low, we must be equally vigilant to minimize the damage that can occur due to human negligence or accidental incidents."

Dhirendra Kumar Pradhan, Director General of the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, stated that the community's role in forest fire control is significant. Prem Prasad Bhattarai, Chief District Officer of Lalitpur, noted that forest fires in forest areas are mostly caused by human negligence and pointed out the necessity of launching a special campaign to enhance citizen awareness.

Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Upreti of the Armed Police Force provided information about the role played by the Armed Police Force in controlling forest fires, stating that a lack of necessary equipment causes difficulties in performance. He opined that attention needs to be paid to the management of modern equipment, training, and resources.

Representatives from relevant bodies, experts, security agencies, and heads of all seven provinces under the Ministry of Forest participated in the program organized by the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation with facilitation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).