Development activities should not wipe out forest: Minister Yadav

Kathmandu: Minister for Forest and Environment, Pradeep Yadav, has said forests should be protected while forwarding development activities. Tree plantation and conservation of forests are imperative to ensure a healthy ecosystem, he added.

Minister Yadav was speaking at a programme organized on the first anniversary of Om Harhar Adi Shaki Pariwar here Saturday.

“Deforestation causes natural disasters posing threat to humans and wildlife. So, saving forests should be everyone’s priority,” Minister Yadav argued, adding that the contribution of government, organizations and commoners had resulted in 45 per cent forest coverage in Nepal.

He also praised Om Harhar Adi Shakti Pariwar had played an important role to save forests, temples and art and culture in the country. Moreover, the Minister underscored the need for every sector to devote itself to mitigating climate change impacts.

According to him, the ministry he was leading was planning to install devices to track wild animals’ movement and curb illegal activities in the wildlife reserves.