PHUNGLING, Dec 29: The forest fire that started in the Pathivara area in Taplejung district has entered the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area (KCA). The fire is continuous for more than five days.

An employee at Pathivara Area Development Committee, Rajendra Mahat, said that the wildfire entered the Lukumpa community forest of KCA this morning. 

Although a helicopter was used to spray water to douse the fire yesterday, it was not that effective, he said, adding that the water was too little to extinguish the fire. A helicopter belonging to Simrik Air poured water above the fire yesterday but in vain. However, it saved the Pathivara Temple, he added. 

The Pathivara Temple premises were protected from the wildfire with the help of Simrik Air helicopter, according to Executive Director at the Committee, Man Mani Kafle. The structures on the premises were protected.

The office bearers of Tapethok Bihani Forest Users’ Committee and the people from Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-5 have reached the Lukumpa Community Forest in a bid to prevent the fire from spreading further, according to conservation officer at KCA, Ganesh Prasad Tiwari.

The fire has destroyed a huge forest area, affecting the habitat of red panda, an endangered animal. (RSS)

 
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