Deforestation rife in Bardiya

BARDIYA, April 21: Deforestation is taking place at a rapid pace in Bardiya district. Of the 1,185 square kilometers of forest area in the district, 60 square kilometers have already been flattened, according to Mohamed Karkha, member of the District Forest Users´ Federation.



Of the total forest area, 968 square kilometers fall inside Bardiya National Park, while the remaining 216 square kilometers fall in Gulariya, according to the District Forest Office (DFO). [break]



With the deforestation, species like vultures are on the verge of extinction, said bird conservationist Jit Bahadur Khadka.



Vulture is among 32 protected species. Conservationists say weak law and order situation has increased the activities of timber smugglers.



Krishna Sah, a local, said individuals in collusion with DFO officials smuggle timber and sell it to freed Kamaiyas, and those affected by fire outbreaks.

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