KATHMANDU: Representatives of families displaced by the expansion of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve have submitted a petition to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, seeking land compensation.
The delegation, including 95-year-old Kamal Kumari Pokharel, informed the Prime Minister at his residence, Baluwatar, that their homes were acquired 48 years ago when the reserve was expanded. They recalled the state’s polite agreement to provide land in exchange.
In relation to this issue, a high-level commission led by Chempjong was formed by the Nepal government in February 2024 to resolve problems faced by displaced families. The commission recommended providing land compensation in Letang Municipality of Morang district to 75 families who were left out of previous arrangements.
Manohar Narayan Shrestha, a former member of the commission and part of the delegation, emphasized the need for the government to quickly implement the commission’s recommendations. The delegation also reminded the Prime Minister about a Supreme Court decision dated April 18, 1989, which ordered the provision of replacement land.
After receiving the petition, Prime Minister Oli directed Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal to study the issue and provide a proper response to the displaced families within 15 days.
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