KATHMANDU: Every year, as the dry season sets in, forests in Dolakha face the recurring threat of fires, with the perpetrators often remaining unidentified. Locals report frequent outbreaks of fires in various community forests of the district, posing a constant risk to the forested areas. According to the Division Forest Office in Dolakha, approximately 700 hectares of forest have been burnt in the current fiscal year up to March, indicating the severity of the issue.

The Division Forest Office in Dolakha is responsible for overseeing a significant portion of forested land, amounting to 37,050 hectares, with additional forested areas falling under the Gaurishankar conservation area. Within the jurisdiction of the Division Forest Office, over 683 hectares of forest have been affected by fires at 171 different locations, as reported by the office. Despite efforts to control the fires, the situation appears to be worsening, with the number of affected locations rising from 75 to 96 by mid-April.

Recent incidents, such as the forest fire in the Thelo area, highlight the challenges faced by the concerned authorities in effectively managing and controlling these fires. With only one firetruck available in Bhimeshwar Municipality of Dolakha and limited firefighting personnel, the District Forest Office has struggled to contain the fires. Despite appointing 10 firefighters, the office's efforts have primarily focused on awareness programs rather than implementing proactive measures.

The lack of attention to identifying and apprehending those responsible for setting fires in the forests has further compounded the issue. Only one individual has been arrested for arson in Dolakha, indicating a lack of concerted efforts to address the root cause of these fires. The environmental impact of these fires extends beyond the loss of trees and vegetation, affecting the habitats of animals and birds in the forests. Human negligence, including activities like burning dry leaves for new grass growth, has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the spread of wildfires, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate forest fires in Dolakha.