Kathmandu: Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, has announced preparations for policy-level improvements aimed at promoting domestic timber and discouraging the import of foreign timber. This development was discussed in a meeting of the Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee under the National Assembly, focusing on the study report about the ‘Status of Human-Wildlife Conflict at National Parks, Wildlife Reserve and Buffer Zone Human-2080.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Shahi stated that activities are ongoing to gradually make policy-level improvements to reduce human-wildlife conflict and enhance the utility of domestic timber. He mentioned that some acts and regulations are in the process of being amended. Minister Shahi assured that most issues related to forests, environment, and wildlife are included in the policies, programs, and budget for the coming fiscal year.
NA member Jagat Bahadur Parki emphasized the need for Nepal to become self-dependent on timber and requested Minister Shahi to halt the importation of timber from countries like Malaysia and Bangladesh. Similarly, Uday Bahadur Bohara highlighted the urgency of resolving conflicts between wildlife and farmers, particularly with issues caused by monkeys and wild boars destroying crops.
Natayan Dutta Mishra called on the government to manage forest fires effectively and optimize the use of timber produced within the country.