Bhutan loses acres of forest and countless wildlife to devastating forest fires each year. To address this, the Tsirang Forest Division organised a three-day door-to-door advocacy and awareness campaign in four gewogs. The campaign focused on educating people about how forest fires impact livelihoods and what steps they can take to prevent them. The initiative also served as a preparatory activity for the National Day celebrations, promoting community responsibility and environmental protection.
Forest officials of 11 teams visited forest fire-prone areas in Sergithang, Tsirang Toed, Tsholingkhar, and Rangthangling Gewogs. The gewogs are located in chirpine zones and are considered high-risk areas for a forest fire.
Officials informed residents about the peak forest fire season, which starts from December to March every year. They shared preventive measures to reduce the risk.
The preventive measures include avoiding burning debris during the peak forest season and extreme dry weather, regular checks of electrical appliances, and monitoring children to prevent mishandling of matchsticks or lighters, among others.
“Everybody knows Bhutan is a champion for the environment, and we have been granted many international awards for the conservation of our environment. With this now, the time has also arrived with the upcoming winter season, where the forest fire risk is very high, and the school children are also on vacation in their homes. So during this time, the forest fire season is very severe,” said Phuntsho Tobgay, a chief forestry officer of Tsirang Forest Division.
The awareness programme covered 400 households. Residents said it served as a reminder to remain cautious and avoid negligence.
“I always seek prior permission from forestry officials before burning debris around my house. I also urge everyone to dispose of their cigarette butts to prevent forest fires. Forest officials’ advice to burn debris early in the morning or late in the evening will be a good reminder,” said Migma, a resident of Tsirang Toed Gewog
“My house is just nearby the highway, and I see commuter throwing cigarette butts. This could lead to a forest fire, putting my house at risk. The awareness programme is very informative as they shared insights which we were not aware of,” said Tashimo, a resident of Tsholingkhar Gewog.
“In rural areas, we frequently burn debris and cook meals using fire, and some people smoke. So, these things may cause forest fires in the nearby forest. So the door-to-door awareness campaign on forest fire prevention will be very useful for us,” said Nir Kamal Rai, a resident of Sergithang Gewog.
“Instead of calling people to one place and giving awareness, we thought we would go individually door-to-door and make them aware so their time is not wasted. And the other thing is we can know the environment and situation around their households we can give awareness accordingly and make them prepared to prevent forest fire,” said Phuntsho Tobgay, a chief forestry officer of Tsirang Forest Division.
Forest officials said that forest fire cases have reduced over the years in the district due to intensified forest fire prevention awareness.
They added that continued preventive measures like this will further reduce the risk of forest fires in the district.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
