The forest fire that broke out in the Mahabharat mountain range in southern Kavrepalanchok has been brought under control. The blaze, which started last Tuesday afternoon in Thamalekh Danda of Khanikhola Rural Municipality-1, was fully extinguished on Monday.
As the fire spread toward Bethanchowk Rural Municipality, helicopters were deployed on Friday to douse the flames in Ramite Danda and Jwanethumka. Although the fire had intensified in recent days, it has now been contained, according to the Division Forest Office, Dhulikhel.
Chinikaji Shrestha from the office stated that the fire was brought under control with the support of helicopters, security personnel, and local residents.
The wildfire has severely damaged approximately 100 hectares of five community forests in Khanikhola and Bethanchowk rural municipalities.
Meanwhile, Bethanchok Narayansthan, a popular tourist destination, has reopened after being closed since Wednesday due to fire risks. Authorities had restricted domestic and foreign tourists from visiting the area, including the Narayansthan Temple, as forests in Ward Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5 posed risk. -- RSS
