The temple area is in d’anger as the fire in Pathibhara area in Taplejung, considered as the Shakti Peeth of Nepal, is out of control. Rajendra Mahat, an employee of the Pathibhara temple, said that the fire in the local community forest was more towards the temple and people could not control it. According to Mahat, the fire started from the Simbu community forest area of Fawakhola, about 3 km below the temple, and was spreading towards the temple. He said that the fire was spreading as the wind speed was concentrated towards the hilly areas.
He said that the temple area was at risk as the fire was rising from the drinking water source of Pathibhara area. “It is dry weather and even the trees are burning from the objects on the ground,” he said, adding that the temple area was in danger. He said that the fire, which had been seen on a small scale since the day of Asti, was extinguished by the locals, police and Pathibhara area personnel yesterday. Raja Maden (Rajen), a member of the Pathibhara Area Development Committee, said that there was no other option but helicopter to control the fire. There is also a shortage of water.
District Disaster Management Committee Coordinator and Chief District Officer Jharendra Prasad Chapagain said that a team of Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has left for the area to control the fire. However, it will take at least 3 to 4 hours for the team to reach the area where the fire broke out. Photo: Kamal Bista
