July 08, 2023

Using community awareness to prevent forest fires in Nepal

topic:	Natural disaster
located:	Nepal
editor:	Hanan Zaffar

On the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Nepal, a country with 40 percent forest cover, faces a growing threat: an alarming rise in climate change-fuelled wildfires. More than 3,337 incidents of forest fires have been reported across Nepal from November 2022 to June 2023, according to government figures. 

The current situation follows a long spell of droughts and rising temperatures, making forests dry and favourable for fast-spreading fires. With Nepal already suffering from other natural catastrophes, this series of fires contributes to the worsening of the environment along with its disastrous effects on its people.   

According to the authorities of Nepal, the country witnessed around 13 mm of rain this year, which is nearly 80 percent below the annual average. Additionally, the country’s average annual temperature is rising by 0.056 degrees Celsius. With hotter climates and spells of drought turning forests dry, small sources of fire can quickly burn whole forests.

This year, specifically, forests have been seen to be engulfed in fire within minutes. As per the environmental experts in the region, the country lacks institutional mechanisms and policies to contain forest fires.

The frequency of fires is resulting in health conditions among people. Amid forest fires, Kathmandu has now become one of the most polluted cities in the world. People are suffering from dry and burning eyes, irritated noses and sinuses, sore throats, wheezing coughs, difficulty breathing and even ulcers. 

The most surprising part of this series of disasters is the way it begins. As per an official, wildfires were mostly started by people - “either deliberately for hunting animals or clearing areas to grow fresh grass for their cattle or as a result of accidents.”

Since fires are difficult to control once they start, fire prevention must be the government’s priority to prevent their devastating effects. In such a scenario, inspiring a thorough awareness among the population can greatly reduce the cases of such fires. The people, and especially farmers, need to be educated on practices that lead to forest fires, and at the same time need to be provided with alternatives to their land clearing methods. 

Experts believe the best solution is to increase community groups dedicated to spreading awareness. Such groups, even though low in number, are presently working in the country on two fronts. They are working as an early-detection system, warning the respective authorities and people around forests of the inception of any fire. And they also try to educate people about the causes of forest fires. Increasing the number of such community groups would be an interim solution until the Nepalese government finds the resources to contain such massive wildfires.

Image by Matt Palmer

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