Division Forest Office Siraha Removes Encroachments, Undertakes Conservation Projects

Janakpurdham. The Division Forest Office Lahan Siraha has removed structures built by encroaching on various forest areas of the district. Office Chief Bechan Chaudhary informed that structures built by encroaching on forest land near Choharwa Barracks in Golbazar Municipality of the district have been removed.

Similarly, Chief Chaudhary stated that land that was being cultivated by encroaching on the land of Balan Community Forest has been cleared. The office has conducted various programs in the areas of forest conservation, biodiversity promotion, beautification of public places, and control of forest product theft and smuggling in the fiscal year 2082/83.

According to Office Chief Chaudhary, a 'Hirat Park' has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.6 million on the premises of Sonbarsa School in Navarajpur Rural Municipality, Siraha. Chief Chaudhary said that the park includes fencing, a structure for hoisting the national flag, a pathway, and an open space for students to play.

Similarly, the pond at Tinkoni in Dhankagadhi Municipality has been conserved and beautified at a cost of Rs 2.4 million. The Chief stated that under this plan, a ghat has been constructed in the pond and the surrounding area has been managed.

According to him, a park has been constructed at a cost of Rs 400,000 in the Dhankagadhi temple complex, and the park at Jiromail has been renovated at a cost of Rs 360,000. Afforestation has been carried out in Balanmai Community Forest, Subedar Chauri Community Forest, and Balan Khola Sanyasi Community Forest for forest conservation.

Wetland conservation programs have been conducted in Jhwai Kholshi Community Forest and Rajdevi Chure Community Forest. Chief Chaudhary said that a grant has also been provided to Mutani Khola Community Forest for organic fertilizer production. The office has stated that regular patrols have been continued to control the illegal cutting and transportation of forest products.

According to Information Officer Radheshyam Chaudhary, 90 cubic feet of sawn timber and 130 cubic feet of log timber were seized in the fiscal year 2082/83. He informed that three people involved in forest product theft and smuggling have been arrested and legal action has been initiated.

Information Officer Chaudhary said that regular monitoring and patrols have been conducted to control the illegal excavation and transportation of stones, gravel, and sand from the Chure region, and smuggling has decreased.

Information Officer Chaudhary stated that the programs have been implemented with the objective of environmental conservation and enhancing local community participation through forest conservation, beautification of public places, wetland conservation, afforestation, and strengthening of community forests.