Displaced families of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve submit memorandum to PM Oli

June 25, Kathmandu: Representatives of families displaced due to the expansion of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday, demanding land compensation.

At the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, a delegation led by 95-year-old Kamalakumari Pokharel reminded the government of a gentleman’s agreement made 48 years ago to provide land in exchange for the acquisition of their homes and settlements during the reserve’s expansion. They highlighted that a high-level commission, led by Rakam Chemjong, formed by the government on February 18, 2024, had recommended providing alternative land in Letang Municipality, Morang, to 75 families still awaiting compensation.

Manohar Narayan Shrestha, a former member of the commission, emphasised the urgent need for the government to implement the commission’s report. The delegation also noted that a Supreme Court ruling on April 18, 1989, had ordered the provision of substitute land for the displaced families.

Upon receiving the memorandum, Prime Minister Oli instructed Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal to study the issue and provide an appropriate response to the displaced families within 15 days.