Tusli locals embark on effort to protect local forest

By Vijay Kumar Sah,Dhalkebar, July 9: In response to the visible impacts of forest destruction, locals in Tusli of Mithila Municipality-11 in Dhanusha district, have taken proactive measures to protect the forest. 

After 18 years, the community members of Tusli, situated at the foothills of the Chure range, have reestablished the Community Forest Consumer Committee and embarked on forest conservation activities.

Back in 2001, the Sundari Community Forest User Committee was formed, and the community was entrusted with the responsibility of protecting a 1,600-hectare forest area. However, the consumer committee became inactive in 2005, leading to a surge in illegal logging and encroachment on the forest land. Houses were constructed within the forest area, converting it into cultivable land.

Two weeks ago, the Sundari Community Forest Consumer Committee was reconstituted under the leadership of Mohan Sapkota. Since its reorganisation, Sapkota, along with other committee officials and forest personnel, has launched a campaign to clear encroachments, prevent timber smuggling through regular patrols, and restore greenery by planting trees on vacant land within the forest.

Sapkota reported that over two hectares of encroached forest land have been reclaimed in just two weeks. He emphasised, "The once green hills have become desolate. We are taking action to protect the forest, especially after an attempt was made by smugglers to fell a large tree."

Sapkota further stated that the signs of forest destruction are becoming increasingly evident, and that if immediate measures are not taken to save the forest, there will be significant repercussions in the future. He believes that rising temperatures, declining groundwater levels, and environmental imbalances are the root causes of forest degradation.

Madan Choudhary, an official from the Lalgarh Sub Division Forest Office, informed that two long-inactive community forest user committees in Tusli have been revived. The Sundari and Moti Khola Community Forest Consumer Committees have been reconstituted after years of dormancy.

Internal conflicts had rendered both committees inactive, making it difficult to combat timber theft, smuggling, and encroachment without the participation of local residents. Choudhary stated that since the reconstitution of the Forest Consumer Committee, encroached lands have been reclaimed, trees have been planted, and wire mesh fences have been installed.

By installing wire fencing, the forest's flora is protected, and the locals' agricultural crops are safeguarded as well. Choudhary explained that the fencing prevents wild animals from entering human settlements and damaging crops, while also restricting domestic animals from entering forest areas, allowing trees and plants to flourish.

Bechan Chaudhary, the Divisional Head of the Division Forest Office in Dhanusha, expressed his satisfaction with the increased awareness among the people of Tusli regarding forest protection. The area had witnessed numerous complaints of timber theft and smuggling. Chaudhary claimed that since the reactivation of the Forest Consumer Committee, the incidents of timber theft and forest encroachment have been effectively curtailed.

Forest encroachment had been on the rise under the guise of squatters and unregulated settlers. 

Additionally, individuals with existing homes elsewhere attempted to trespass by constructing temporary structures within the forest. Chaudhary, the divisional head, affirmed that the forest area will now be freed from encroachment, with a renewed focus on enhancing the standards of the community forest.