“Mahabharata Jungle Under Control, Tourist Area Now Open”

In the southern region of the Mahabharata mountain range in Kavrepalanchok, a forest fire that had started in the community forest has now been brought under control. The fire had initially ignited in the Mahabharat Jungle near Thamelkhola in Khanikhola Rural Municipality-1, Kathmandu. Efforts to contain the fire were carried out with the help of helicopters targeting the Ramit Danda and Jwano Thumka areas in Bethanchowk Rural Municipality towards the Mahabharat region.

The fire, which had spread towards Bethanchowk Rural Municipality from Betan Danda, was aimed at protecting settlements. It was reported that even though the fire had taken on a severe form a few days ago, it is now under control according to the Division Forest Office in Dhulikhel. Authorities informed that while the fire had been contained, smoke was still rising from some large trees that were affected.

Approximately a hundred hectares of forest from the community forests of Khani Khola and Bethanchowk Rural Municipalities have been damaged by the fire. The Chisapani Community Forest, Muldanda Chorande Community Forest, Janjagriti Community Forest, Bethanchowk Narayansthan Community Forest, and Narayansthan Community Forest have suffered significant damages due to the fire.

Moreover, post the fire incident, restrictions on movements in the tourist area of Bethanchowk Narayansthan have been lifted starting Wednesday. The Chairperson of the rural municipality, Bhagwan Adhikari, mentioned that with the fire under control, access to the area has been restored for both internal and external tourists. Sections of forest in Ward No. 1, 2, 3, and 5, including the Narayansthan Temple, were previously off-limits due to the fire risk.

It is estimated that valuable flora and fauna have been affected by the fire, causing damage to the biodiversity and wildlife in the area. The Forest Office indicated that assessments will be conducted to evaluate the impact on precious plant species, vital trees, wildlife, and grazing grounds in the region.


Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 28, 2025 3:01 am