Nepal’s Forests Remain Uncompensated Despite Massive Tree Felling for Development Projects

Over 107,577 trees have been cut down in Gandaki Province for various development projects, including hydropower plants, transmission lines, and an international airport. However, the compensation for these trees, as mandated by law, has not been utilized for reforestation or forest conservation.

According to the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Gandaki Province, the developers have deposited over NPR 1.5 billion into the Forest Development Fund as compensation for the trees cut down. However, not a single tree has been replanted or conserved using this fund.

The law requires developers to replant five trees for every tree cut down or deposit the equivalent amount into the Forest Development Fund. However, many developers have failed to comply with this provision, and the fund remains unutilized.

Projects with Significant Tree Felling

Some of the projects with significant tree felling include the 132 kV Bardaghat-Sardi transmission line, which cut down 3,739 trees, and the 140 MW Tanahun Hydropower Project, which cut down 22,453 trees. The Upper Modi ‘A’ Hydropower Project cut down 941 trees, while the Lower Modi Khola Hydropower Project cut down 564 trees.

The Pokhara International Airport project also cut down 600 trees, but the compensation amount has not been deposited into the Forest Development Fund.

Consequences of Delayed Reforestation

Delayed reforestation can have severe environmental consequences, including loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The Forest Act and Regulations require developers to replant trees or deposit the equivalent amount into the Forest Development Fund to compensate for the environmental damage caused by tree felling.

However, the lack of implementation of these provisions has resulted in significant environmental damage, and the Forest Development Fund remains unutilized.

Environmental inspectors have warned that delayed reforestation can have long-term consequences for the environment, including loss of forest cover, soil degradation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.