Authorities have constructed fire lines in more than 30 community forests across the district to reduce the growing risk of wildfires triggered by rising temperatures and strong winds.

The initiative, led by the Division Forest Office in Chautara with support from local communities, is part of intensified pre-emptive measures to control forest fires.

According to the office, activities such as clearing undergrowth, field drills, practical training, and awareness programmes are being carried out alongside the construction of fire lines. The campaign is being coordinated by green volunteer coordinator Sharada Prasad Chalise in collaboration with various sub-division forest offices.

Fire lines have been created in forests, including Gaurati, Bhagwati, Sansari, Lampate, Shrichhap, Bandeu Thulopatal, Ambaghari, Chapbote, and Sallaghari, among others, Chalise said. With support from Forest Action Nepal, similar work has also been carried out in Bajekapase and Bhedigoth forests, while bush management and cleaning efforts continue in other community forests.

In ward 4 of Balephi Rural Municipality, fire lines have been constructed in the Upper Binjel Chapbote Community Forest after identifying high-risk areas. “As incidents of forest fire rise, we have expanded awareness programmes. Fire line construction and cleaning efforts will continue in other forests, and recharge ponds are also being built,” Chalise said.

Fire lines are designed to prevent fires from spreading from one area to another and to minimise damage if they do spread. Each forest is currently seeing fire lines built over approximately 1,200 metres in length and five metres in width.

Of the 530 community forests in Sindhupalchok, high-risk areas have been selected for intervention. A budget of Rs100,000 per forest has been allocated through six sub-division offices—Chautara, Melamchi, Nawalpur, Jalbire, and Dandapakhare—said Division Forest Office representative Ramesh Dulal.

Community forest user groups are required to cover 20 percent of the total cost.

The period from February to May, marked by dry winds, falling leaves, and new growth, is considered highly prone to wildfires. According to district police, forest fires have already destroyed around 82 hectares of forest land in areas including Bhotekoshi, Tripurasundari, Jugal, and Lisankhu within the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.