Nepalgunj, April 29: Forest fires have broken out in 14 community forests, including two block forests, in Banke district, damaging around 4,500 hectares of land, according to the Division Forest Office.
Acting Chief Sushil Subedi said fires have been raging across various forest areas for the past week, posing serious threats to wildlife habitats. While some fires near highways have been brought under control, those in remote and hilly areas remain difficult to contain.
Affected areas include Shamsherganj Mathema Block Forest, Bhuvar Bhawani Block Forest, Jhijhari Women’s Community Forest, and Rapti Peedit Gulri Community Forest, among others.
Subedi said limited manpower and resources have hindered firefighting efforts. A 2,000-litre water tanker and a 14-member response team have mainly been deployed to control fires along accessible areas, leaving deeper forest regions vulnerable.
Banke has around 50,000 hectares of forest land, and officials say there is an urgent need for fire engines capable of reaching interior forest zones.
Prolonged dry conditions have worsened the situation, with authorities warning that continued lack of rainfall could further intensify the fires.
The Division Forest Office has been conducting awareness programmes and training for community forest users to help prevent and manage forest fires. #Nepal
