JANAKPURDHAM: President Ram Baran Yadav on Wednesday suggested that the government crack its whip to stop the ongoing exploitation of the Chure Range.

Speaking at a programme at Kshireshowrnath Municipality in Dhanusha upon inspecting an under-construction dam on the Jalad Khola River today, President Yadav urged the government to immediately adopt some stringent measures for conservation of the Chure Range.

“Pass an act from the council of ministers and if it fails, bring it through ordinance. I’m ready to ratify it at the very moment,” Yadav urged the leaders of the ruling parties.

Further, calling for blanket support from people for effective implementation of the President’s Chure Tarai Madhes Conservation Project, Yadav also warned of impending desertification of Tarai districts in case the exploitation of Chure is not stopped.

The project was first put into effect by the then Madhav Kumar Nepal-led government.

“Despite water being our lifeline, several water sources have been drying due to our ignorance. Since forest in the Chure plays an important role to ensure the existence of water sources, we need to act for their conservation before it is too late,” he argued.

Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Mahesh Acharya also spoke on the occasion. The dam is expected to save around 200 bigaha land.