KATHMANDU: The government has introduced a new ordinance allowing development projects to be carried out in forest areas, even if they affect such areas, under specific conditions.
The provision comes through an amendment to the Forests Act 2019, enabling projects of national priority, those approved by the Investment Board Nepal, nationally significant projects, and mineral-based industries meeting national standards to operate in national forests if no alternative location is available.
Under the ordinance, the Council of Ministers can grant approval for the use of national forest land in such cases.
The amendment also allows provincial governments to recommend projects requiring forest land use. If a province determines that there is no viable alternative, it can forward the proposal to the federal government for approval.
However, the ordinance sets certain conditions. Projects must be officially designated as national priority projects and published in the government gazette. Additionally, industries using forest land will be required to compensate by planting trees on private land equivalent to the area used.
Officials say the move aims to balance infrastructure development with environmental considerations, though it is likely to draw debate over conservation concerns.
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