Minister Gita Chaudhary Directs Forest Departments to Prioritize Conservation and Budget Efficiency

Kathmandu. Minister of Forests and Environment and Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Gita Chaudhary, has issued directives to prioritize forest conservation, effective budget utilization, and people-oriented development.

On Monday, Minister Chaudhary visited the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation to receive briefings and issue instructions regarding these priorities.

Raising concerns over the transparency of budgets spent in the name of conservation, Minister Chaudhary stated, 'There are complaints that a significant portion of the funds allocated for forest conservation is limited to programs like training and seminars; you must address this in the coming days.'

Minister Chaudhary emphasized that at least 90 percent of the budget should be spent directly on conservation and for the benefit of the public. 'Spending in the name of conservation without ensuring public participation and benefits should not happen,' she said.

Directing officials not to delay development projects, the Minister warned relevant bodies to end the tendency of holding up files. She committed to facilitating inter-ministerial coordination and requested that any issues be reported immediately with clear justifications.

Urging departments to submit proposals if legal amendments are necessary, Minister Chaudhary assured that the ministry would not obstruct the process.