Dhangadi, October 2

Conservationists and experts have criticised the decision of the government of Province 7 to site its headquarters in the middle of a forest in Godawari Municipality of Kailali.

Forest expert Ramesh Chanda warned of the consequences of the development to be carried out by clearing the forest area. “The plains to the south is already facing water crisis. Should the provincial headquarters be built in the forest area, it will require clearing of a lot of trees, which will not only worsen the water crisis but also cause floods and inundate the lower areas,” he argued.

The proposed site is also considered incongruous given its location on the international Mohana-Laljhadi wildlife corridor. The corridor declared by the government back in 2010 is linked to Dudhuwa National Park in India and extends over 24,664 hectare in Kailali and Kanchanpur. “As the proposed site figures in the way of the green corridor, the government must find an alternative site for provincial headquarters,” Chanda stated.

Another expert Buddhi Rijal described the government’s decision as being at odds with the international community.

“At a time when the entire international community is focusing on protecting forests, we’re proposing to set up our headquarters by clearing the forest area, which is really unfortunate,” he said.

Conservationist Hirulal Dangaur pointed out the threat to local vulture species should the capital be sited in the proposed place.