Chitwan – A controlled forest fire is being carried out in Chitwan National Park to manage grasslands and prevent uncontrolled wildfires. A team comprising park employees and Nepal Army personnel is overseeing the process.

According to Abinash Thapa Magar, the park’s information officer, controlled fires are set on dry grass and other flammable materials to reduce the risk of destructive wildfires. This practice also promotes the growth of fresh grass, benefiting wildlife by providing better grazing areas.

Out of the 10,000 hectares of grassland within the park, 300 hectares have been managed through controlled burns so far. The fires do not harm wildlife or disrupt ecotourism activities. In fact, they help prevent animals from straying into human settlements in search of food.

Controlled burning is carried out during this season to prevent large-scale wildfires, which are harder to contain due to limited resources. Additionally, the practice improves wildlife visibility, making it easier for tourists on safaris to spot animals.

Despite efforts to control wildfires, the park still faces challenges in tackling uncontrolled blazes, especially during extreme heat. However, Magar stated that the implementation of controlled fires has significantly reduced fire-related damages to the forest and wildlife.