Tihar fire safety campaign begins

Nov 3, 2018-

In a bid to educate people about safety tips to prevent fire-related incidents during Tihar festival, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the Juddha Barun Yantra launched a week-long awareness campaign in Kathmandu on Friday.

Tihar, the festival of lights, also known as Deepawali is when people illuminate their homes with electric lights, oil lamps, and candles. People also set off firecrackers during the festival despite a blanket ban on the supply and sale of firecrackers across the nation.

Inaugurating the campaign, KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya requested everyone to remain extra cautious during the festival time while illuminating their homes.

“It’s the same light in the candle that brightens our homes and toles (areas) during Tihar, but if we are not careful it will burn our houses or the whole neighbourhood into ashes. That’s why I request everyone to light lamps and candles with caution,” said Shakya.

The programme was attended by Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi, KMC Chief Executive Officer Yadav Prasad Koirala, KMC Disaster Management Department (DMD) Coordinator Nil Kaji Shakya, representatives from Nepal Army, Nepal Scouts, fire brigade officials of DMD, and City Police of KMC, among others.

Talking to the Post, Chief of Juddha Barun Yantra Badriman Nagarkoti said the awareness regarding fire-related incidents is very important.

“There are many fire-related incidents during the month of Kartik (mid-October) because of Tihar festival. We are trying to reach out to every individual with the message on fire safety through campaigns and mass media,” said Nagarkoti.

As per the information published by Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal under Ministry of Home Affairs, 70 fire incidents took place in the country in the past one week.

In the past one year, four people were killed, 30 people were injured and 152 families were affected in separate fire-related incidents inside Kathmandu Valley. Properties worth nearly Rs 185 million were damaged.

Last year, a fire at a squatter’s settlement in Balkhu during Tihar destroyed some 40-odd houses, according to the DMD.

In the week-long programme, the DMD will be mobilising its staff with fire-brigades at various junctions, schools, colleges, government offices and market places. KMC Deputy Mayor Khadgi requested everyone to cooperate and take safety precautions taught during the campaign.

“We still have the memory of the earthquake. We should be more cautious to avert fire-related incidents,” said Khadgi.

After the event, a rally was taken out from Juddha Salik that passed through Siddhicharanchok, Lagan, Jaisidewal, Bhemsenthan, Kastamandap, Pyaphel, Mahendra Bahal, and Indra Chok before ending at Juddha Salik.

The rally was accompanied by fire bikes, and a traditional band of Newari Dhime Baja.