107,577 trees cut, but Gandaki fails to plant compensatory trees despite collecting over Rs 1 billion
Summary
Gandaki Province has seen 107,577 trees cut for infrastructure projects, but no compensatory plantation has been carried out despite more than Rs 1.054 billion being deposited into the Forest Development Fund. Officials say delays in fund utilization and missing records have left environmental compensation limited to paper commitments.
Key Points
- At least 107,577 trees were cut in Gandaki Province for hydropower, transmission lines, airports and other infrastructure projects.
- More than Rs 1.054 billion has been deposited into the Forest Development Fund, but no compensatory tree plantation program has been implemented so far.
- Some projects have paid compensation, while others have failed to deposit the required amount or provide complete records of tree felling.
- Forest and environment officials say the delay in plantation and fund use is harming climate, biodiversity, soil stability and water sources.
