Gaighat, April 22

Nobody knows about the construction of almost 1 km illegal road at Simle-based Maruwaharit community forest in Katari municipality of the district.

The road was opened using a JVC from the water tank to Bajrakanya temple of the community forest.

Community Forest Consumers’ Committee Secretary Binod Danuwar said that nobody knew who was responsible for construction of the road when he reached the site after learning about the what was happening. “The road construction was in the final stage when I reached the site. It was shocking that the road was constructed by destroying the forest at night without the public noticing it,” argued Danuwar.

Chairperson of ward 4 Krishna Raj Danuwar expressed ignorance about construction of the road. Likewise, Area Administrative Office Katari Chief Sunil Poudel also said he did not know the road was being constructed. “However, we have initiated investigation into the illegal road construction,” said Poudel.

Sector Forest Office Katari Assistant Forest Officer Badri Sah said he heard about the road being constructed at night but expressed ignorance about who had built it.

The road connects Simle of Siddhicharan Highway to rural Marjetpur of Katari municipality through which tippers that fetch limestone for Saurya Cement Factory in Katari ply.