The Department of Forests and Park Services imposed fines exceeding Nu 700,000 on 38 individuals and institutions responsible for setting forest fires from 2021 to 2023. However, this figure is deemed very low given the large number of forest fire incidents reported during the period in the country. The three-year period saw 169 reported forest fires.
The Department of Forests and Park Services compounded 9 offenders in 2021, collecting Nu 66,625 in fines. The number of cases increased slightly to 11 in 2022, levying Nu 597,800 and 18 cases were caught in 2023, imposing Nu 65,000.
Most of the cases were related to the burning of agricultural debris and electrical short circuits.
However, the forest fire incidents reported were comparatively higher. Difficulty in determining the cause of fires, evidence being destroyed, and a lack of investigative skills are some of the challenges that the department faces.
Meanwhile, the department continues to educate people on forest fire prevention annually across the country, especially in forest fire-prone areas.
The department, along with the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management, collaborated with an Australian firm called Geoneon, an AI-driven geospatial company in November last year. The technology firm is helping the country enhance its resilience by predicting and managing forest fire risks.
Although the results of the project have yet to be realised, forestry officials said the technology will help inform authorities of potential forest fire outbreaks and mitigation needs.
Further, the officials said the Inter-Agency Forest Fire Coordinating Group formed in 2017 continues to respond to fire emergencies in the country.
Despite the department’s efforts, the country saw 87 forest fires last year alone, the highest in five years.
According to Section 339 of the Forest and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations, 2023, setting fire to State Reserved Forest Land or State Land is an offence with fines ranging from Nu 200 per acre. In addition, offenders are charged a restoration cost of Nu 100 per tree damaged by the fire.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Kipchu
