KATHMANDU, JULY 10

The Forest Regulation-2022 recently issued by the federal government prohibits various activities inside community forests while operating an eco-tourism programme.

No one shall perform any activity prohibited in the national forest as stated by the Act and this Regulation. Similarly, activities other than those mentioned in the approved work plan for eco-tourism cannot be carried out. Construction of infrastructure like a new motorway to stop/ block water sources and rivers/ streams, divert their course or obstruct the sources being utilised by the locals and capture, injure or kill or trouble wildlife, and affect their habitat in a manner to create disturbance have also been prohibited.

'To spoil or otherwise modify the landscape and special geographical features in a manner to perform any activity that results in the land, water and noise pollution, and to perform such activities which causes negative impacts on the culture and tradition of the local community shall not be allowed inside the community forests,' the regulation says.

Only activities such as sightseeing, trekking, forest tour, swimming and water sports supporting the protection, management and development of shrine, temple, chaitya, monastery and fort of historical, religious and archaeological importance, and resources including cave, including waterfall and wetland in or around the community forests have been allowed by the Regulation.

Likewise, construction and operation of machan (view tower) or spot to view natural beauty, landscape and wildlife; establishment and operation of information centre related to the protection of biodiversity including timber, non-timber plant species and wildlife found in its forest; and keeping helpless, injured, crime-related and rescued wildlife and operation of wildlife conservation education will be permitted.

Other activities allowed by the Regulation include construction and operation of a wildflower garden, plantation of various plant species, forest horticulture and biodiversity park, construction and management of rope course, jeep coaster, bungee jumping facilities, children's park, picnic spots, eatery, guest house, parking lot, entry gate to temple and monastery, toilet, gift shop, watchman and ticket house, among others, that occupy minimum area are also permitted.

Construction and operation of cottage, waiting shed, roundhouse, resthouse, temporary shop and restaurant in specified places by using local materials and technologies like bamboo, cane bamboo (bet), thatch grass (kharkhadai) and stone, and management of earthen path, trekking route, hiking route, walking route, cycling route and rest bench and chair, among others, are also permitted.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 11, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.