A wildfire raging in the community forest along the Mahabharat range in southern Kavrepalanchok district since Tuesday afternoon has prompted authorities to deploy security forces and restrict access to the area.
The fire, which started in the community forest at Tham Lekdanda, Khanikhola Rural Municipality-1, near the border of Bethanchowk and Mahabharat rural municipalities, has now burned for four days, according to the District Police Office in Dhulikhel. It is currently about four kilometers from the nearest human settlements.
The District Disaster Management Committee convened a meeting on Thursday to coordinate efforts with stakeholders and decided to mobilize all available personnel to tackle the situation, as reported by state-owned news agency RSS.
Authorities have restricted access to the tourist area of Narayansthan to prevent potential risks. The fire threatens nearby forest areas, Narayansthan Temple, and parts of Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5 of Bethanchowk Rural Municipality. A public notice has been issued prohibiting visits to Narayansthan until the fire is under control.
Bethanchowk Rural Municipality Chair Bhagwan Adhikari confirmed that the local government, police, and Nepal Army are actively working to contain the blaze. "We have alerted everyone to exercise caution in the affected areas," he said.
Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal stated that teams from the Nepal Army and police were deployed on Wednesday evening and are working in coordination with local residents to control the fire. "Security personnel are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the fire does not spread to human settlements, and preparations for relocation are in place if necessary," he said. However, he added, "Reports indicate that the fire is spreading further."
The Division Forest Office in Dhulikhel reported that the fire began at 2 pm on Tuesday in a steep forested area, complicating containment efforts. Forest Office Chief Krishna Bahadur Thapa stated that authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and planning legal action against those found responsible.
A joint meeting of local government representatives and security agencies has mandated the deployment of fire-control equipment, led by the Forest Office, in coordination with the district's 13 local governments, forest user groups, and sub-divisional offices.
The upper regions of Bhugdeu in Bethanchowk-6 are reportedly close to the fire. Local residents have expressed concerns about the need to protect the area, which is home to valuable medicinal plants, wildlife, and bird habitats.
While no casualties have been reported so far, the fire continues to spread, according to the District Police Office in Dhulikhel.
RSS
