Gandaki Province Demands Transfer of Conservation Area Rights
Summary
Gandaki Province has demanded control over the Annapurna and Manaslu conservation areas, saying the current federal arrangement is blocking local revenue and provincial development. Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey raised the issue with Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who said legal and constitutional complexities must be addressed first.
Key Points
- Gandaki Province wants conservation area rights for ACAP and MCAP transferred from the federal government to the province.
- The province says the current setup blocks revenue collection and limits development and natural resource use in 16 local levels.
- Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey raised the issue with Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who cited legal and constitutional complexities.
- Gandaki plans to keep pushing for a legal amendment and an integrated co-management modality if needed.
