Fire in Pyuthan

PYUTHAN: The fire that broke out in Bhadrechaur and Dhad community forests in the district on Sunday has unleashed terror among the locals in Dharampani and Khairak VDCs in Pyuthan district. The fire is gradually spreading towards human settlements in the two VDCs. “Though personnel of Nepali Army and Nepal Police and local people have been trying hard to douse the fire, it is becoming difficult to take the fire under control because of the shortage of water and difficult geographical conditions,” DSP Madhav Shrestha said. — HNS

Deforestation on rise

SANKHUWASABHA: Deforestation in Tamafok VDC of Sankhuwasabha is on the rise. Officer at District Forest Office Padam Prasad Dahal said, “Local Community forest users are involving in deforestation, making it difficult for us to stop deforestation.” CPN-UML leader and Social worker Bhim Linkha said deforestation was rising following the construction of Mudesanchhare-Dharan road. Locals lamented that the authorities concerned were not paying heed to control deforestation. — HNS

Shah’s take on govt

NARAYANGARH: Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Ganesh Shah said on Monday that there was no alternative to the present government. Speaking at a press conference organised to make public the decision taken by the central council meeting of CPN-United-Sixth here on Monday, he said that it wasn’t time to seek alternative to the government even though the ruling coalition partners were at loggerheads. “NC can join the government in the future. However, we should not think about the change in the guard of the government,” he added. Shah also alleged that national and international regressive forces were trying to disrupt the peace process. — HNS