Pokhara - Nepal faces a growing challenge of forest fires, with incidents affecting all regions of the country, but the severity varies geographically. According to the Ministry of Forests and Environment, while the Terai experiences more frequent forest fires, the mid-hills bear the brunt of the damage in terms of area burned and loss of life and property. With over 3,000 incidents recorded annually, an average of six hectares of forest is affected per fire. Alarmingly, 65% of these fires occur in April.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Experts highlight that human activities account for 96% of forest fires in Nepal, with 70% arising from carelessness or accidental ignition. Key causes include poor forest management, the accumulation of flammable materials, abandonment of agricultural land, poaching, and intentional burning. The lack of timely management of dry twigs, shrubs, and other combustible materials has made Nepal's forests particularly vulnerable during the dry season.
Deepak Gyawali, Joint Secretary of the Ministry's Forest and Watershed Division, warns that this year’s prolonged winter drought has exacerbated the risk of fires. He notes that recent incidents in Kavre, Lalitpur, and Langtang National Park indicate the urgent need for heightened vigilance and preparedness.
The Impact of Forest Fires
The impact of forest fires extends beyond the immediate destruction of forested areas. Secretary Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal emphasizes that fires significantly reduce biodiversity and worsen air pollution, thereby contributing to climate change. This creates a feedback loop, with climate impacts increasing the frequency and intensity of forest fires.
The 2024 statistics reveal 5,136 forest fire incidents across 74 districts, with Surkhet recording the highest number (328), followed by Salyan (281) and Dang (276). Historically, 2016 and 2021 saw the highest number of incidents, underscoring the recurring nature of this disaster.
Challenges in Forest Fire Management
Nepal faces numerous challenges in controlling forest fires, including:
Rugged terrain limiting accessibility.
Inadequate firefighting equipment.
High costs and limited resources.
Insufficient training of personnel.
Lack of incentives for forest management.
Additionally, the abandonment of farmland in hilly areas, driven by wildlife encroachment and migration of farmers, has reduced the collection of forest resources. This has led to the unchecked accumulation of flammable materials, further increasing fire risks.
Recommendations and Way Forward
Forest fire expert Sundar Sharma suggests forming a dedicated task force and consolidating scattered plans, budgets, and manpower to implement effective control measures. Controlled burning, creating firebreaks, and community-level awareness programs are crucial to mitigating risks.
Rakesh Karn, President of the Nepal Forestry Technicians Association, recommends developing a real-time reporting system for forest fires, enabling the Division Forest Office to act swiftly upon receiving alerts. He also stresses the importance of mobilizing local-level groups and ensuring adequate resources for immediate responses.
The government has introduced policies and legal frameworks, including the Forest Fire Management Strategy and the Disaster Risk Reduction National Strategy. A Forest Fire Information Unit operates under the Department of Forests, while disaster management committees and environmental divisions are active at the local level.
Unified Efforts Needed
Experts agree that a unified and integrated approach is essential to tackling forest fires effectively. They urge increased community awareness through campaigns, social media, and educational programs. Mobilization of security personnel, local disaster management committees, and responsible government bodies during peak fire months is critical.
The government plans to implement a forest fire control project with support from international agencies. Secretary Dr. Kharal reiterates the need for collaboration, stating, "By integrating policies, laws, and institutions, we can significantly reduce the risk and impact of forest fires."
As Nepal braces for another fire season, the urgency to address this growing environmental and developmental challenge has never been greater. Ecosphere News will continue to monitor and report on this critical issue.
