Mahakali community forest in Kanchanpur expands investment in income-generating programs

Kanchanpur: The Mahakali Community Forest in Krishnapur Municipality-6, Banjariya, is actively utilizing income from forest produce to fund social development and infrastructure projects, while expanding income-generating programs for local users.

According to Community Forest Chairman Bir Bahadur Rajbanshi, revenue from the sale of firewood, timber, and grass has been invested in both social and institutional development. A concrete bridge costing approximately Rs 3.4 million has been constructed with public labor to manage sand entering the forest area. Additionally, two temples, Kalika and Vana Devi, are being built at a cost of about Rs 6 million, reflecting their religious and cultural importance.

The forest office has also developed a rest area, while embankments and retaining walls have been constructed to prevent river erosion. A 1.5-kilometer mesh wire fence has been installed to protect against encroachment and illegal entry, and a forest path has been created to enhance tourism and facilitate patrolling.

Chairman Rajbanshi highlighted that various training programs have been conducted to increase user income. Skills training in making duna-tapari, sewing lehenga-cholia, and crafting bet bamboo materials has enabled participants to engage in income-generating activities. Sports equipment has also been provided to attract youth to recreational activities, yielding a positive impact on the local community.

Looking ahead, the forest plans to conduct further trainings aimed at women empowerment and capacity building. Upcoming programs will focus on beekeeping, goat and buffalo farming, advanced breed cattle farming, and off-season vegetable cultivation, particularly targeting poor, Dalit, indigenous, disabled, and marginalized groups.

The Mahakali Community Forest also aims to implement production-oriented grants and income-generating initiatives for group management, leadership development, and vegetable production through a revolving fund. Spanning 197.57 hectares, the forest supports approximately 1,163 users. Officials note that these participatory programs are yielding significant social, economic, and cultural benefits for the community.