The country has lost more than 81,000 acres of forest to forest fires between 2020 and 2024, an area roughly the size of Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, the nation’s smallest protected area. However, there is some positive news this season. Department of Forest and Park Services says forest fire incidents have declined during the current dry season compared to the same period last year. Both the number of cases reported and the total area burned have decreased.
The Department of Forest and Park Services says that, unlike last year’s prolonged forest fires, most incidents this dry season were brought under control quickly, with the exception of one major fire in Wangdue Phodrang.
The department attributes the improvement to intensified awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement under the Forests and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2023.
However, officials say penalties have not kept pace with the scale of destruction.
Although the rules mandate fines per acre of forest burned, along with restoration costs for every damaged tree, the total amount collected remains low compared to the losses incurred.
Between 2020 and 2024, more than 280 forest fire cases were recorded. Yet total fines imposed amounted to nearly one million ngultrum.
The department says penalties have been less effective because fewer offenders are identified and follow-up mechanisms remain weak.
The department says that in response, stricter measures were introduced in 2023 under the Forests and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2023.
The revised provisions impose higher fines, along with restoration costs and fire suppression charges, aimed at strengthening accountability and deterring future violations.
Moreover, it said that preventive and response measures remain in place nationwide, with more patrolling and foresters deployed in fire-prone areas.
The department has also strengthened the Inter-Agency Firefighting Coordination Group, working closely with the Royal Bhutan Police and the Royal Bhutan Army to ensure rapid response.
For this fire season, the department plans to pilot specialised fire extinguishers in five fire-prone districts, such as Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, Monggar, and Trashigang. If successful, more units will be produced and stocked for future emergencies.
The department will also test CCTV cameras in Thimphu to support early fire detection and deter illegal activities.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Phub Gyem
