Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Mahesh Acharya on Sunday said it was a challenge to contain the smuggling of forest products in the Terai-Madhes. 

Responding to the queries put forth by lawmakers on subjects connected with the Ministry under the Appropriation Bill, 2072, at the parliamentary session, Minister Acharya shared that an operation was being initiated with coordination of the security forces to control poaching and smuggling of forest products and wildlife in 16 districts of Terai. 

The Minister said two-thirds of the total forest areas were being protected and conserved with people's participation which he termed exemplary. 

The Minister also briefed the parliamentary session on preparation for scientific delineation of forest areas, management of the settlements bordering the forest so as to stop encroachments and conservation of the watershed and wetland areas. 

He said a directive was being prepared to facilitate supply of wood for reconstruction phase in the aftermath of the massive earthquake. He underlined the necessity to focus on the aspect of managing the forest as supply of wood and log were a related subject. 

He spoke of the scientific forest management in Rupendehi, Nawalparasi and Kailali to increase the supply of wood while adding that government planned to manage at least 40,000 hectares of land. 

Minister Acharya said the President Chure Conservation Development Committee had been formed to protect the water source, control the landslide, increase greenery, expand the forest area and launch embankment programmes to uplift the life standard of people living in the settlements bordering the forest areas in Chure region. 

He said various programmes were being launched in the districts for developing and promoting cultivation of herbs and that the Ministry had envisioned planting certain sorts of herbs. RSS