Fires set to speed up grass growth destroy forests and livestock in Kalikot every year

In the past three years, forest fires in the district have killed seven people and injured nine. Fifteen fire incidents have already been recorded since September.

A forest fire broke out on November 27 in Saldanda Community Forest of ward 4 of Khandachakra Municipality in Kalikot. The wildfire that started at around 5 am was brought under control only by 2 pm due to strenuous effort by the locals. The blaze—deliberately set with the hope that it would help grass sprout quickly for cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats—destroyed around 5,000 saplings planted as part of community-led afforestation efforts.