Daiji-Chela industrial zone delayed four years waiting for tree felling permission

Mahendranagar: The establishment of the Daiji-Chela Industrial Zone in Kanchanpur, proposed three decades ago in 2052 BS, has yet to commence. Despite the foundation stone being laid by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Falgun 2077 BS, work on the site has been stalled for over four and a half years due to delays in government procedures.

Pradeep Parajuli, head of the Daiji-Chela Industrial Zone Liaison Office, stated that the primary delay is linked to obtaining permission for felling trees required for the industrial zone. The project falls under the oversight of the Nepalgunj Industrial Zone Management Limited Branch Office, with the Industrial Zone Liaison Office operating with minimal staff support.

The government has allocated Rs 1.12 crore for the current fiscal year to cover tree felling and land tenure fees, but the timeline for field work remains unresolved. Chief Parajuli noted that permission has been sought to fell 27,000 trees and that the zone is planned to cover 136.59 hectares (202 bighas), reduced from an earlier proposal of 345 bighas. He added that the number of industries to be established will adjust according to the reduced area.

Vasudev Sodari, Information Officer of Industrial Zone Management Limited, explained that the issue of tree felling and land tenure awaits approval from the Council of Ministers. While the Ministry of Forests has forwarded the matter, it has not yet been addressed due to the absence of the Forest Secretary.

Locals and the private sector, including the Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have long advocated for the industrial zone, emphasizing its potential to boost local economic activity and employment opportunities. Senior Vice President Dinesh Malla noted that procedural delays have hindered progress despite political interest and repeated appeals.

Bedkot Municipality Mayor Bhojraj Bohara also expressed frustration over the stalled project, stating that the establishment of 20–25 industries would significantly benefit the region and that the municipality continues to engage with relevant authorities to resolve procedural obstacles.

The government had originally decided in 2072 BS to designate forest land in Bedkot Municipality-2 and 3 for the industrial zone, but decades later, the project remains on hold.