Govt must take a studied decision, as felling 2.45million trees for Nijgadh airport will have a huge environmental impact

A new international airport in Nijgadh of Bara has become a heated topic of late for one particular reason—that around 2.45 million trees have to be axed to build it. Many might ask: Does Nepal need another international airport? In view of the traffic congestion the Kathmandu airport, the only international airport, sees today on a regular basis, the need of a second international airport cannot be ruled out. Then again, Nijgadh airport is not something which was planned recently. Nijgadh of Bara, which is around 180 kilometres from Kathmandu, was first identified as a site for an international airport almost 25 years ago—in 1994. The project, however, gathered dust for decades, largely due to the Maoist insurgency and political instability. But with political stability and a strong government, which has been making a pitch for development and prosperity, in place, the airport plan is now set to take off.

In this context, after approving the environment impact assessment prepared by a Korean company in May, the Ministry of Forests and Environment is now all set to seek approval for felling around 2.45 million trees spread over 8,000 hectares of land for the construction of the airport. The proposed airport, expected to be the biggest in South Asia, however, will be spread over around 2,500 hectares of land, which makes it bigger than some of the busiest airports in the world such as London’s Heathrow and India’s IGI. Do we really need such a huge airport? And if we do, then at what cost? And again, will such a huge facility be economically viable? The airport now is being projected as the regional hub for international flights. More informed discussions are also required in this regard, as today’s modern planes are capable of flying ultra-long distances without requiring transit points. That said, it will be wrong to outright reject the idea of a second international airport. But there is a need to give a second thought to the size of the facility and economic benefits it can bring. Or else, it could be just another flight of fancy.

It’s a fact that development does entail some destruction, but if the destruction can be minimised and a project can be completed with less impact on the environment, then why not? Nepal’s development projects have a long history of being embroiled in controversy and corruption. We don’t know yet when the project will actually take off. But since the green light is being sought to axe the trees, it is obvious that questions will be raised. The government must pay heed to all the questions that are being raised and will be raised. While building the airport, the government must adopt a sustainable model of development, putting the environmental concerns at the core. We believe the government will take a studied decision by taking all related aspects, including economic benefits and environmental impact, into account while constructing the $1.21 billion project. Parts of the forest, which will be obliterated for the airport, serve as habitats and corridors for wild animals, mainly elephants. Nepal cannot afford to have a white elephant in the form of an international airport just because of a hasty decision.

Kids fear clash 

The practice of untouchability is a criminal offence punishable by law. However, it is shocking to hear that a dispute that broke out between the Dalits and non-Dalits over prayer in a temple at Jhawani village, Simraungadh Municipality, Parsa, has severely affected the teaching-learning atmosphere at Nepal Rastriya Primary School in the village. The dispute between the Dalits and non-Dalits over the prayer at Shiv-Parvati temple last week has forced the children out of the school for fear of clash even at the school. Children are taught at school about equality and brotherhood, no matter who comes from what socio-economic background.

As a result, the number of students attending the classes has dropped from 120 to 25, according to school headteacher Kishun Prasad. The tension ran high after the so-called upper caste people prevented the Dalits from entering the temple that they had helped build it 40 years ago. This is a glaring example of how the so-called upper caste people behave with Dalits. The local administration must take legal action against those involved in the dispute. The village leaders are trying to settle the case through talks. But law must take its own course.