A wildfire on the hillock seen from Muglin Highway. Photo by Nikki Thapa

The forest fires in Nepal have caused widespread devastation, with multiple fires raging across the country since late March this year (2024). These fires have already consumed thousands of acres of land and released large amounts of pollutants into the air making Kathmandu the most polluted city in the world.

The situation is particularly severe in the Terai region, where strong winds and dry weather have fueled the flames. The resulting smoke has enveloped the area, reducing visibility and endangering the health of both locals and tourists. While the Nepalese government has mobilized firefighting teams and aircraft to tackle the fires, the situation remains extremely serious.

The forest fires in Nepal resulted from various factors, including dry leaves accumulating in forests, reduced rainfall, and higher temperatures. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warned that these fires would escalate rapidly in the following two months, given the dry and windy conditions from mid-March to mid-May.

Human activities, like burning crop residue and pastures to encourage new growth, also contributed to the fires, especially when fueled by up-valley winds. Furthermore, the lack of in-depth wildfire studies and poor record-keeping hampered preparation efforts, leaving responders scrambling to address the situation when it was already too late.

The pollution levels in Kathmandu have skyrocketed due to the smoke from the ongoing forest fires, exacerbating the city's already notorious air quality issues. The pollution index, which measures PM2.5 concentration, consistently surpasses safe limits, prompting health advisories advising residents to stay indoors. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

While the government has taken steps like restricting vehicle use and promoting mask-wearing, more action is needed to address the forest fires' impact on air quality and public health.