Desertification Threat Looms Over Madhesh as Forest Loss Raises Alarm

Dhanusha, April 4: Rapid deforestation and increasing encroachment in the Chure Hills have triggered growing concerns over desertification and environmental imbalance in Madhesh Province, posing risks to livelihoods and daily life.

Despite forests covering nearly 45 percent of the country’s total land area, Madhesh Province has only about 3.7 percent forest coverage, highlighting a serious ecological disparity.

The issue was raised during a meeting of the Natural Resource and Environment Committee of the Provincial Assembly on Saturday. Province Assembly Speaker Ram Ashish Yadav expressed concern over shrinking forest areas and warned of a potential environmental crisis if immediate action is not taken.

He emphasised that unchecked deforestation and land encroachment could worsen environmental degradation and urged the concerned ministry to introduce and implement effective programmes to expand forest coverage.

Speaker Yadav also stressed the need for stronger coordination among provincial stakeholders and government agencies.

At the meeting, Jibanath Paudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, called for a comprehensive review of past efforts and assured that the ministry would take more coordinated steps moving forward.

Similarly, committee president Sharada Das underscored the importance of adopting long-term, coordinated strategies for the sustainable management of forests and the Chure region.