Forest in Pathibhara encroached
Summary
Forest land in the Pathibhara area of Taplejung has been encroached for years, with houses, sheds and other structures expanding along the trekking route to Pathibhara Temple. Local officials have ordered construction to stop and warned of legal action as the loss of forest land continues.
Key Points
- National forest land in Pathibhara, Taplejung, has been encroached by private houses, sheds, public structures and development projects for more than three decades.
- Officials found land levelled and marked for 160 structures along the trail, with activity reported in Kaflepati, Baludanda, Guranse and nearby areas.
- The Division Forest Office has ordered an immediate halt to construction and warned of legal action if encroachment continues.
- Conservation groups say the encroachment is damaging forests and harming the local ecology and environment.
