NEPALGUNJ, April 26: Two block forests and several community forests in Banke have reported outbreaks of fire.
The District Forest Division Office stated that the forest fires pose a serious threat to wildlife habitats and the animals. The fires, which have been continuing for a week, have so far affected around 4,000 hectares of forest area.
Nearly 2,000 hectares forest encroached in Banke
According to the Office’s Planning Officer, Sushil Subedi, 12 forests including Shumshergunj Mathema Block Forest, Bhuwarbhawani Block Forest, Jinjhari Women Community Forest, and Rapti Victim Gulari Community Forest have caught fire. Efforts are underway to control the blaze.
He said that a team of 14 people has been formed to contain the fire. Prolonged drought has caused the fire to spread into inner areas, and if there is no rainfall in sight, it is likely to spread further. Despite awareness campaigns, negligence and irresponsible behaviour of some individuals have contributed to the outbreak.
Meanwhile, three people have been arrested for allegedly killing a spotted deer that got trapped in the Sikta Canal. They are currently under investigation and their identities have not been disclosed.
Similarly, locals rescued four other spotted deer that had reached the canal in search of water. The animals were handed over to the Division Forest Office, Banke.
