GANDAKI, APRIL 29

Various 467 locations in Gandaki Provinces presently report incidents of forest fires. According to the Province Forest Directorate, so far forest area spanning around 8,277 hectares has been affected by the wildfire this season.

The cases of fire are expected to soar ahead amidst the prolonged dry season, said Directorate forest officer Tilak Bahadur Thapa.

The Directorate information is that the entire 10 districts in the Province except Mustang are affected by the forest fire. The highest loss is in Nawalpur as it affects around 2,553 hectares and the lowest is in Manang which spreads to two hectares.

In terms of numbers, the highest 81 cases are reported from Myagdi and one from Manang.

In Nawalpur, it has been reported in 80 locations followed by 55 in Parbat, 52 in Baglung, 52 in Syangja, 45 in Kaski, 26 in Tanahu and 24 in Lamjung.

Fire so far affects 1,685 hectares of forest in Baglung, 1416 in Parbat, 922 in Myagdi, 750 in Kaski, 497 in Syangja, 215 in Gorkha, 184 in Tanahu and 51 hectares in Lamjung.

The cases of fire have resulted in fatalities in the Province. One died and two others were injured in the course of their attempt to douse the fire at a local community forest at Tamankhola of Baglung a few days ago. It causes livestock loss in Tarakhola of the district.

Similarly, one injury has been reported from Myagadi in the course of a failed attempt to contain the forest fire.