Forest User Groups Threaten Province-Wide Protests Over Policy Stagnation
Summary
Forest user groups in Dhangadhi are threatening province-wide protests over policy delays and multi-layered taxation affecting sustainable forest management and timber collection.
Key Points
- Forest consumer groups are dissatisfied with delays in implementing the Forest Act and related regulations, which hinder sustainable forest management.
- They protest the triple taxation on forest products imposed by federal, provincial, and local governments, calling for its abolition.
- Consumers demand easier timber and firewood collection, the right to set prices independently, use of domestic timber, and concessional loans for forest industries.
- If demands are not met, the groups have planned a series of escalating protests including sit-ins, transport strikes, and government office lockdowns.
