185 Yaks dead in forest fire, 1 herder missing
185 Yaks dead in forest fire, 1 herder missing
25 March 2009
published by www.kantipuronline.com
Nepal — 185 Yaks were died by a forest fire in Thotne Khola pasture land of Pawakhola-7 in Sankhuwasava district. Total value of the Yaks was estimated to be Nepalese rupees (NRs) 4.8 millions (1USD= about NRs 82).The herder Mr. Wangduck Sherpa from Taplejung district is missing.
The fire was started from Thotne Khola pasture spreaded from Jumli pasture to Aiba pasture few days ago. The Yaks were belonged to resident of Papung-4, Taplejung Mr. Dorchi Finjuwa Bhote (50), Mr. Ongya Sherpa (65) and Mr. Wangdi Chhiring Sherpa (70). The victim asked for compensation from the Government.
One yak cost from NRs 25,000 to NRs 30,000. According to police, Dead bodies of 61 Yaks were found. Police said, recommendation for a relief will be done after a study of cause and damage. Chief District Officer (CDO) Mr. Tulasi Prasad Adhikari said, Some relief money can be provided from the District Disaster Relief Fund.
Local people said that the fire was caused by a escaped fire from slash-and-burn agriculture. The owners of the Yaks from Taplejung district blamed that it was intentionally set by the local people to discourage grazing in their area by out-siders. The CDO has started an investigation to find out the cause of the incident.
