COMBATING FOREST FIRES

In an effort to check the growing incidence of forest fires, foresters in Trashigang in Bhutan are involving farmers of the area to combat the havoc. About 190 villagers in Samkhar and 135 in Kanglung have been imparted training in this connection. According to the forest range officer, Dorji Dukpa, training villagers was the best way to control forest fires in the rural areas where the population is sparse. In western Bhutan, most forest fires are caused by negligence or carelessness of the farmers. However, in the eastern part of the country, forests are set on fire intentionally by farmers.