Forest encroachment spreading rapidly in Kailali, Nepal

Dhangadhi: Forest destruction and encroachment are spreading rapidly in Kailali district, Nepal, under the guise of power. According to data from the local forest office, over 21,000 hectares of forest area have been encroached upon. The problem is particularly severe in Attariya and Godawari areas, where concrete buildings have been constructed in places where land has been encroached upon. Local residents allege that encroachment has increased with population density.

Data from Sudurpaschim Forest Directorate shows that Kailali has lost 21,154.77 hectares of forest area to encroachment, amounting to 21 percent of one lakh hectares of encroached forest area across the country. Encroachment has increased with the establishment of the permanent capital in Teghri by the government of Sudurpaschim Province.

The reduction of forest areas has caused an increase in river erosion and a shortage of grass and firewood. Local residents report encroachment in community forests and roadside vacant lands around Attariya since the municipality started land surveying. While some encroachers have been evicted from roadside lands near Badimalika Community Forest, forest encroachment is spreading to areas including Hanuman Mandir, Godawari Aryaghat, Chunepani, Samadhi Gada, Vyguttepani, Banspani, and Gaimara.

The encroachment is being fuelled by the construction of monasteries, schools, organization offices, political party offices, and government buildings in the forest area under the guise of power.