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Global Warming

Wildfires pose a severe challenge to the life and livelihood of Nepali people.

By Sajad Jatoi | June 2024


With the onset of summer in 2024, Nepal has experienced a staggering increase in wildfires, surpassing 4500 incidents, compared to around 2500 recorded in 2023. These wildfires are a recurring phenomenon in the country, predominantly occurring between March and May, with 2016 marking the highest number of fires at 1,106. Over the period from 2001 to 2023, Nepal suffered a tree cover loss of 7.05 kha due to fires.

However, despite wildfires’ historical prevalence, what is concerning is that they are growing in number and intensity with each passing year. Last year, the number was around 2500. Currently, it has nearly doubled, even in the first half of the year.

“Wildfires have increased in an unimaginable ratio, and the season is expected to last another month,” says Sundar Prasad Sharma of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

With the rise in the occurrence of wildfires, it is natural to ask what the main contributory factors behind these wildfires are, what the Nepalese government’s response has been so far, and, more importantly, what it can do to deal with this calamity.

Climate scientists have linked the surge in wildfires to climate change. They say it is nothing but a manifestation of climate change. To illustrate, Nepal received meager rain last winter because of the changing climate. This, in turn, has led to drought in many parts of Nepal and adjoining areas of India. Consequently, the land and forest areas have become abnormally dry, increasing wildfires in southern Nepal and Northern India.

Nepal’s environment ministry spokesman, Badri Raj Dhungana, also admitted this, saying that the increase in the number of wildfires in the ongoing year was due to a lengthy drought and heatwave conditions in Nepal’s southern part. “Generally, wildfires peak in late April, but this year, they are still increasing because of rising temperatures,” he added.

Besides, some scientists associate the rise in wildfires with the El Niño effect. Because of this phenomenon, large South and Southeast Asian swathes have sweltered through a heatwave since last month. Some Asian countries, such as the Philippines and Bangladesh, were forced to shut schools in April owing to the scorching heatwave.

Wildfires have posed a serious challenge to the lives and livelihoods of Nepali people. A resident, in an interview with a newspaper, said that they’re living in constant fear of blazing wildfires because they have caused the deaths of about 20 people and burned to cinder a large number of forests and fodder for animals. Many of the nearby villagers in Nepal keep watch over the fire at night, fearing it may harm them.


Moreover, these fires will have both environmental and socio-economic costs, as they are also threatening the country’s biodiversity. Since 2001, the country has lost a total tree cover of about 7 kha. Other than affecting wildlife and biodiversity, they will have negative effects on Nepal’s climate and will displace thousands of people.

So far, the response of Nepalese authorities has been met with mixed results. No doubt, there are only a few ways through which authorities can deal with this catastrophic situation. They include prevention and fighting against the raging fires. As for prevention, there are ongoing campaigns against the prevention of wildfires, which focus on ways to prevent wildfires.

Although wildfires have become a common phenomenon in Nepal, there is, unfortunately, not a single dedicated unit or department dealing solely with wildfire cases.

The Nepalese government’s efforts to respond to this crisis have been met with mixed results. They are hampered by limited firefighting capabilities and a lack of dedicated resources. Nepal’s rugged terrain presents additional challenges in containing and extinguishing wildfires effectively.
Although wildfires have become a common phenomenon in Nepal, as reported by Saloni Muraka, there is unfortunately not a single dedicated unit or department dealing solely with wildfire cases. The country lacks institutional mechanisms, policy frameworks, and necessary forest fire tools and equipment. As a result, it has become a bit challenging for the authorities to deal with the crisis.

To address this pressing issue, Nepal must take comprehensive measures, which include prevention campaigns, bolstering firefighting capabilities, and establishing institutional frameworks to manage wildfires effectively. Additionally, international collaboration is essential, not only in combating wildfires but also in addressing climate change holistically. Nepal must advocate for zero carbon policies and climate reparations while spearheading efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Also, Nepal must focus on raising public awareness about preventing wildfires. It must educate its citizens about safe fire practices in camping and ensure that farmers do not set fire to crop residues, a common practice in India.

In conclusion, the escalating wildfires in Nepal demand urgent attention and concerted action. By implementing proactive measures and fostering international cooperation, Nepal can mitigate the immediate and long-term impacts of wildfires, safeguarding its environment and people.

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