Drone Technology to Reforest Fire-Ravaged Area in Rasuwa

Rasuwa. Modern technology will be employed to re-green the forest area in Gatlang, Rasuwa, which was devastated by a massive wildfire nearly two decades ago. Due to the geographically difficult and steep terrain, the Division Forest Office is preparing to scatter seeds using 'drones'.

This area became barren after a fire in BS 2065 destroyed thousands of plants, including pine, rhododendron, juniper, and kharsu.

According to Shambhu Tamang, Chief of the Division Forest Office, the collection of seeds for plants suitable for the local climate is currently underway at a rapid pace.

The plan is to start sowing seeds using drones from the last week of Jestha. A tripartite partnership has already been established for this purpose between ICIMOD, the Institute of Forestry, and the Division Forest Office. Out of the 455 hectares affected by the wildfire, seeds will be sown in 100 hectares in the first phase.

Statistics show that the wildfire destroyed approximately 16,000 valuable tree species in the Gatlang forest. During the forest restoration process, over 30,000 pine saplings have been planted so far, with 25,000 saplings provided by the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project. Technicians state that the forest's revival has been delayed due to the lack of proper management of the burnt trees over a long period.

Currently, 68 community forests are active in this forest area, which encompasses various wards of Aamachhodingmo, Gosainkunda, and Uttargaya Rural Municipalities. Since controlling wildfires is challenging due to the steep geography and strong winds in Chaitra-Baishakh, the Forest Office has also prioritized awareness programs.