NUWAKOT: Recent wildfires have inflicted significant damage to forest areas spanning approximately 2,000 ropani of land (1.02 square kilometers) in Nuwakot, directly impacting forest resources and wildlife.

The fires, which began spreading in the third week of February, have ravaged forested areas across all 12 local levels in the district, as confirmed by Roshana Pokharel, Division Forest Office representative.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the blaze has affected 28 community forests and a national forest.

The escalating frequency of forest fires in Nuwakot has prompted authorities to take proactive measures to address the situation and raise public awareness regarding its consequences.

This year, a larger expanse of forest and a higher number of forested areas have been damaged compared to the previous year, attributed to factors such as insufficient winter rainfall and human negligence.

In response, the Division Forest Office has recruited 10 ‘green volunteers’ and deployed them to implement preventive measures against potential forest fires during the dry season.

Additionally, local community forest users are being encouraged to participate in efforts aimed at minimizing the risk of forest fires.

Public awareness programs are underway to educate citizens about the legal repercussions for those found responsible for causing wildfires.

Deliberate setting of forest fires is a punishable offense, carrying a provision of a three-year jail sentence and a fine of Rs 60,000.

Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend alleged offenders, especially in cases where forest fires were intentionally ignited.

Nuwakot boasts approximately 400 community forests, national forests, and private forests, directly benefiting over 40,000 households.

These invaluable natural resources underscore the urgency of concerted efforts to protect and preserve them for future generations.