Minister highlights glaring shortage of skilled human resources for wildfire control

Kathmandu, Aug 27: Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri voiced his concern over glaring shortage of skilled fire controllers and other essential resources to contain wildfire across the country.     

Responding to the queries raised by parliamentarians in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Thakuri also highlighted inadequacies regarding helicopters and chemicals besides shedding light on budget crunch for the same.     

He apprised the parliamentarians of his Ministry launching a week-long awareness drive on early preparedness for fire control and deployment of trained personnel in every district.     

Furthermore, the Minister shared that specially designated fire lines have been demarcated for timely response towards wildfire control and rescue operation during the time of wildfire.     

Minister Thakuri informed the House about training and seminars his Ministry was conducting for the relevant stakeholders as well as recruitment and training and deployment of fire control squad in all districts.     

Additionally, he said that sapling plantation drive is being implemented, with a target of planting at least 10 million saplings in all 752 local levels within the current fiscal year 2024/25.(RSS)