TANAHU, Nepal – As Nepal approaches the start of the forest fire season, preemptive efforts are being made to protect the country’s valuable forest resources. A technical expert team from the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal (FECOFUN) visited the Madhuban Community Forest in Devghat Rural Municipality-5, Tanahu District, on a mission to improve forest management using cutting-edge drone technology. The team, which included drone pilot/Information Technology Co-ordinator Mr. Sandesh Chaudhary, forest technician specialist Mr. Sujan Khanal, and Sustainable Forest Management specialist Dr. Arjun Chapagain, conducted a detailed study of the 177 hectares forest area.
Sandesh Chaudhary, a drone pilot. Flying over the Madhuban Community Forest.
The major purpose of this effort was to undertake forest inventory operations, forest mapping, sample plot mapping, and resource identification via aerial drone footage. Mr. Chaudhary’s drone produced high-resolution photographs that were helpful for charting fire lines, thick forest regions, water resources, viable foot pathways, and patrol routes. This technologically driven strategy is expected to transform forest management methods in Madhuban Community Forest.
Dilli Giri, Chairperson, Madhuban Community Forest, Devghat, Tanahu
Mr. Dilli Giri, Chairperson of the Madhuban Community Forest User Group, expressed delight for the forest’s destiny objectives and activities. He emphasised the need of setting up a well-planned fireplace line and executing preventative techniques to limit the number of forest fires. Mr. Giri additionally mentioned the opportunity for woodland-based organizations, ecotourism, the development of artificial ponds, and the renovation of traditional traditions by way of indigenous humans and the area people.
Green Park, Picnic spot, Madhuban Community Forest
One of the key projects caught by the drone is the projected Green Park within the community forest, which would include two artificial biological ponds. These ponds are projected to provide critical water supplies for both animals and tourists. The increased water supply is expected to benefit the local environment and attract more tourists.
Krishna Prasad Bhatta, Forest Officer, Sub Division Forest Office, Devghat
Mr. Krishna Prasad Bhatta, Forest Officer of the Devghat Sub Division Forest Office, provided information on the support and funds granted to Madhuban Community Forest. This money is intended to improve forest management and promote revenue-generating activities such as the creation of Green Parks, health fitness facilities, hiking routes, and religious sites. These programs aim to help the community while also assuring long-term forest management.
In a notable development, a 1-hectare sample area in area No. 2 was mapped with drone video. This plot will be used as a model for forest management actions such thinning, pruning, singling, weeding, and 4D removal. The success of these techniques in the sample plot will serve as a model for similar efforts in other plots, resulting in more sustainable forest management.
Forest Users residing inside Madhuban Community Forest.
With over 339 families reliant on the Madhuban Community Forest, local community participation is critical. Mr. Dilli Giri, Chairperson, noted how drone technology has offered a larger vision and strategic planning skills. This technology has made it easier to identify the best areas for artificial ponds, hiking routes, and other important activities, therefore increasing the forest’s ecological and recreational value.
As Madhuban Community Forest evolves, the combination of innovative technology and community-driven initiatives promises a future in which forest protection and sustainable development coexist.
