Investigation into Gaurighat deforestation enters final phase

Kanchanpur: The process of taking statements from community forest officials for the investigation into the deforestation that occurred in the second week of Mangsir in Krishnapur Municipality-7, Kaluwapur, Kanchanpur, has reached its final stage.

Statements are being collected from the chairman of the community forest as well as other officials and members. “The investigation will be completed within a week, after which we will proceed with the case process,” said Suresh Chandra DC, Chief of the Division Forest Office, Kanchanpur. He added that statements are also being taken from the police who provided information about the deforestation.

On Mangsir 11, 164 trees were cut down within one and a half hours in the afternoon. Only a few trees remain in the community forest, which spans approximately 10 hectares and is surrounded by settlements on all sides.

Following the daytime deforestation, the Division Forest Office appointed Bharat Shah, head of the Sub-Division Forest Office, Bani, as the investigation officer. Shah is monitoring the area and taking statements from forest officials.

“We are investigating to ensure the culprit does not escape when apprehended,” said Division Forest Chief DC. “However, community forest officials verbally report differently, and there is concern that the culprit may evade capture due to delays in statement-taking.”

According to the Division Forest Office, 135 Khair trees measuring 16 to 84 inches, 28 Sisau trees measuring 24 to 64 inches, and 1 Kanju tree were felled in the Gaurighat Community Forest. Of the felled trees, 101.55 cubic feet of 61 Golia Khair and 81.03 cubic feet of 41 Golia Sisau have been seized. “Even if no other timber is found, compensation will be claimed based on the stumps,” said the DC. Employees of the Sub-Division Forest Office, Pipraiya, have been deployed to search for the felled timber and those involved, including individuals identified in videos circulating on social media.

The forest was initially planted by locals in 2055 BS along the banks of the Mohana River. Subsequent attempts at encroachment by freed Kamaiya and squatters were prevented, and the forest was officially registered and handed over to the community in 2062 BS.