KATHMANDU, AUGUST 23

Minister of Forest and Environment Pradip Yadav has said government is serious about solving the problems facing people displaced by Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve.

Receiving a preliminary report submitted by the committee formed to solve the problems of people displaced by the reserve, Minister Yadav informed that the government would study the report thoroughly and take initiative by holding discussion with wider sectors. 'The displaced ones have been facing severe problems without compensation for their lands. I will take quick initiative to solve the problems,' he reiterated.

Similarly, he directed the subordinate bodies to collect more information about displaced people.

Committee Chairperson Raj Kumar Rai submitted a preliminary report to the minister on the activities conducted by the committee so far. In the report, the government has been suggested to provide land to those who are displaced by Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve, while additional study is needed with regard to other people.

The government had acquired more than 4,000 bigha land to expand the Reserve in 1976. Although the people were then assured compensation for their land, they had not got it yet.

Expert adviser to the committee Shyam Lamsal informed that although the displaced ones were paying land tax, they were not able to use their land. On the other hand, outsiders were capturing their lands.

According to the reserve-displaced people, 21 committees were formed so far to solve the problems, but in vain.

A version of this article appears in the print on August 24, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.