A burning issue

Bhutan is country rich in natural resources, biodiversity of flora and fauna. Being a champion in many things green is one of the country’s chief identities to the world outside. The constitution of the kingdom backs this drive by enshrining in itself provisions to retain forest cover of 60% for all time to come.

Everyone from individuals as young as school students to the law making and legislating level of departments, ministries tirelessly know how to harp on this unanimously accepted and promoted truths.

Now, hear the contrasting points all valid and solid in all this.

Not to the pleasure of anyone, but the dry seasons have become and remained synonymous with forest fires big and small for years. The recent fire above the Kuenselphodrang is a burning update on this.

If an initiative has so much enthusiasm from so many individuals fired with enthusiasm from so many quarters, it stands on very certain grounds that it should have no holes where it should crash and burn.

Sadly, and in reality many a tree has burnt, and acres and hectares of forest covers have been burnt to ashes.

It is not to say in all this that persons identified for the protection and preservation of these resources are not on their most alert mode of operations. The law has been at its most stringent possible in trying to deter miscreants from starting fires. Those caught have been levied heavy fines as caution to serve as examples for others who may attempt similar acts.

The educational institutions have taught to minds of all ages about the plus and minuses of destroying natural resources blindly and recklessly. Authorities have been at their best possible to propagate the messages through every possible media such as radio, TV, newspaper and have also gone the extra mile in putting up giant hoardings and posters wherever feasible.

For a thing as precious as our nation’s wealth and pride, it nonetheless remains important that everyone keep at it in preventing as many incidents as possible.

Authorities should continue being vigilant and discourage mishaps small or big at all times, education bodies should keep teaching the good in having and the bad about not having, Parents should consistently tell children not to play with fire.

For a nation continuously promoting itself as a green haven, it definitely is time to ‘take time and smell the raging fires.’

Published as Editorial in Business Bhutan on December 27, 2014