KATHMANDU, April 30: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the government to take effective steps to reduce fire related incidents.  

NHRC Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel urged the government to take necessary measures to ensure safety tools used to control fire incidents, training, preparedness and security.  

The NHRC also urged the concerned authorities to publish and broadcast awareness-related contents through the media. Incidents of fire and wildfire have been taking place at different places of the country for the last few days, resulting in a huge loss of property and life. 

The NHRC has been monitoring such incidents through different mediums, it has said. Fire destroyed 100 houses at Matihani Municipality-6 of Mahottari district on April 24 where 455 people were affected. 

A person died and four others were injured in fire incidents that took place at 49 places and forest fires at 48 places in different districts of the country in the last 24 hours. 

According to the NHRC, 14 people were killed in fire incidents and eight in wildfires in the last month. Incidents of fire and forest fire have a direct role in air pollution. Nepal has been in the list of the most polluted countries of the world in recent years. Incidents of fire and wildfire have been considered as the major reason behind it.