Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Agni Prasad Sapkota shared so at a press conference organized by the Ministry here today.Although the government had already introduced the Programme in the past, it was not being implemented effectively.
The Programme is believed to be effective in increasing the productivity of the forests in the country and enhance quality saplings, grass and timber wood products.
Minister Sapkota further shared that MoFSC had already directed the concerned authority in southern plains to curb the wanton deforestation taking place in the name of agitation in Terai and the border blockade imposed by India on Nepal.
He also said that those not discharging their duties properly on the same shall be brought to book.
"The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation should also abide by rules and norms. We shall implement the 'reward and punishment' policy strictly so that everyone is under the ambit of rules and regulations," said Minister Sapkota.
The MoFSC has also directed the concerned authorities in the districts to submit a report every week to the Ministry, it was shared.
On the occasion, Minister Sapkota informed that an action plan was in place to provide woods for the construction of houses for the quake-victims.
"A special plan has been devised to supply woods to construct houses for the quake-victims in the most affected areas," added Sapkota.
Likewise, the minister said that the government has plans to control wildlife smuggling with the help of security agencies, adding that the works to control wildlife smuggling being carried out by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, would be made more effective.
He said that the government is working to manage national, community, collaborative and leasehold forests and ensure smooth supply of firewood to make up for the fuel crisis that is taking its toll in the country, following the unofficial blockade of supplies by India.
He, however, said that they are yet to decide upon which system should be adopted to resort to the move of supplying firewood.
On the occasion, Madhu Prasad Regmi, secretary at the ministry, said that a code of conduct has been formulated for forest employees to make them responsible and that preparations are underway to give a final shape to various acts and regulations related to forest and soil conservation.
Likewise, speaking at the event, CIB Chief Hemanta Malla Thakuri said that they have been working, for the past five years in coordination with the ministry, to curb wildlife smuggling.
He also informed that nine tigers were poached in the past nine months alone and that some of the poachers have been booked, while some others are yet to be brought to justice.
Likewise, he said that around 300 people found to have involved in the smuggling and poaching of pangolin and red panda have been booked so far.
He added that they were finding it hard to control wildlife smuggling and poaching in lack of resources including manpower. RSS
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