Kathmandu, August 23 Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Mahesh Acharya today said it was a challenge to contain the smuggling of forest products in the Tarai-Madhes. Responding to queries put forth by lawmakers on subjects connected with the Ministry under the Appropriation Bill, 2072, at the parliamentary session, Minister Acharya said that an operation was being initiated in coordination with security forces to control poaching and smuggling of forest products and wildlife in 16 districts of the Tarai. Acharya said two-thirds of the total forest areas were protected and conserved with people’s participation, which he termed exemplary. He also briefed the parliamentary session on preparation for scientific delineation of forest areas and management of settlements bordering the forest to stop encroachments and conserve watershed and wetland areas. He said a directive was being prepared to facilitate supply of wood for reconstruction phase in the aftermath of the massive earthquake. He spoke of scientific forest management in Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kailali to increase the supply of wood while adding that the government planned to manage at least 40,000 hectare land. Acharya said the President Chure Conservation Development Committee had been formed to protect water sources, control landslide, increase greenery, expand the forest area and launch embankment programmes.