Dispute Over Tree Cutting at Mahendra Morang Campus
Summary
A dispute has erupted at Mahendra Morang Adarsh Bahumukhi Campus in Biratnagar after 13 old spice trees were auctioned and cutting began following legal procedures. Environmental activists and students stopped the work after four trees were felled, while the campus administration and traders insist the removal is lawful and necessary.
Key Points
- Local residents had complained that the old and dry trees near the campus could fall during storm season, prompting official action and a legal auction process.
- The campus auctioned the 13 trees after a valuation committee deemed them risky, and New Navadurga Sawmill won the tender for Rs 746,999.
- Students and activist Parul Chhetri protested when cutting began on September 12 and stopped the work after four trees were cut down.
- The campus and timber traders say the process was legal, while activists argue the trees should have been pruned or replaced with native saplings.
