What must be done to curb the burning of scrubland?

There is growing concern over deliberate burning as the sky becomes more polluted with smoke. The haze we can see is created by large amounts of fine particles that make the air unhealthy and can be life-threatening for people with respiratory problems. Vientiane Times asked around for people’s opinions on this chronic and worsening situation. 

Ms Phannga Thammavong, a government official in Xekong province: I’m very well aware of this practice, which takes place every year around this time, both in Laos and neighbouring countries. And it’s not just people clearing land before they plant crops, there is more and more burning of garbage. You only have to look at the sky every day to realise how unclean the air is and the extent of the problem. Children and elderly people in particular are affected by smoke. I think we should stop burning wasteland because it destroys natural habitat and is very damaging. Government officials should pay a lot more attention to this issue. I think the government should build more fire stations so that personnel can quickly respond to fires if they get out of control. And the authorities should strictly enforce the rules to make sure everyone limits the pollution caused by burning.
 
Ms Kesone Chanthasak, a resident of Oudomxay province: There are many people in my village who burn scrubland so they can plant crops, which creates a high risk of forest fires. Another problem is that hunters like to burn vegetation and this too leads to forest fires. I think the authorities should pay close attention to this problem and inform the public about the need to preserve woodland and the environment. People in remote areas aren’t bothered about environmental protection and have no qualms about polluting the air we breathe or destroying forests.
 
Ms Phutthaly, a resident of Naxaithong district, Vientiane: Because of the risk of fires in hot weather, we should be careful while using electricity, fire, gas or fuel for cooking, and burning garbage. Everyone should be careful when lighting fires as the risk of flames spreading increases during hot, dry conditions. Out-of-control wildfires destroy forests and people’s property, and also cause serious air pollution which is harmful to human health. I read that the government instructed people to stop burning garbage a few months ago. It would be good if everyone took this matter seriously and stopped to think about the toxic gases that are released when plastic is burnt, as well as the fire hazards involved.
 
Ms Talo, a resident of Vientiane province: Accidental fires are a tragedy and everyone should be aware of safety measures to prevent such incidents. We should pay special attention when lighting a fire outdoors because the flames could spread to dry leaves and grass and turn into a forest fire. And I urge everyone to stop burning household garbage because the fire could spread to nearby houses, as well as polluting the air we breathe. The authorities should also conduct checks around dumpsites to prevent the risk of fire.
 
Mr Aiy, a resident of Luang Prabang province: I know that forest fires still occur in rural areas and are usually caused by burning scrubland so that new crops can be planted. There are some people who burn straw in their fields because they believe this makes the soil more fertile. But I think it’s very dangerous because the flames could spread and set light to wooded areas, houses and other property. The authorities should advise the public about the right ways to improve the soil and reduce forest fires. In addition, people should be better informed about the importance of trees so that we are all inspired to protect the environment and wildlife.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
   (Latest Update February 2, 2021)