Natural Resource Dispute Resolved Between Mustang Villages of Chusang and Tetang

Mustang. A dispute regarding the use of natural resources and grazing rights between the villages of Chusang and Tetang, located in Ward-3 of Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, Mustang, has been resolved.

The conflict concerning the boundary of the Shukchengin forest area, grazing, and the consumption of forest products and other natural resources between Chusang and Tetang villages was settled through a five-point written agreement mediated by the Judicial Committee of Baragung Muktichhetra and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This dispute had led to internal conflict and mutual prohibition between the two villages.

The agreement was reached at the Baragung-3 Chusang Community Building, with mediation from representatives of concerned bodies, following special initiatives by the Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality and ACAP Jomsom, informed Rajesh Gupta, Office Chief of ACAP Jomsom, during the meeting chaired by Diki Gurung, Vice-Chairperson and Judicial Committee Coordinator of Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality.

Present during the dispute resolution were former Provincial Assembly member Mahendra Bahadur Thakaali, Baragung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality Chairman Ringzin Namgyal Gurung, former chairman of the same municipality Phenchok Chepten Gurung, ACAP Jomsom Chief Rajesh Gupta, Ward Chairman of Baragung-3 Binod Gurung, representative from the District Administration Office Prakash Poudel, and security personnel.

Five local representatives from the villages of Chusang and Tetang in Mustang were present. Following the agreement, locals from Tetang village will be able to collect 'Jumbu' (a local herb) from the Shukchengin forest above Tetang without a permit, while for others, permits must be issued by Chusang village for Jumbu collection. It was also agreed that gravel and sand from the Kali Gandaki River located in Chusang village will be available free of charge to locals of Tetang village for community, public development construction, and planned programs. For personal use by locals of Tetang village, a fee of Rs 200 per tractor will be charged, the same rate as for locals of Chusang village.

It was agreed that fees for gravel and sand for large development construction projects and programs will be as per regulations. Furthermore, regarding the boundary of other forest areas, grazing, forest products, and the consumption of natural resources, the decision made on Baisakh 30, 2068 BS, will be followed.

After reaching an agreement on the boundary of the forest area, grazing, forest products, and consumption of natural resources that they have been using in the past, it was agreed that there would be no interference, claims, or complaints. If any dispute arises in this regard for any reason, it was agreed that it would be handled according to the prevailing Forest Act, laws, Conservation Area Regulations, and directives of the Government of Nepal.