National bamboo conference in Diktel on Feb 27-29

Khotang, Nov 30: Diktel bazaar, the trade centre of Khotang district, is hosting the national bamboo conference after three months.

The event- first of its kind in Nepal- will be organized from February 27 to 29, 2025. Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality in Khotang district is organizing the conference in order to utilize the bamboo for creating jobs locally. 

It is believed the conference, which is possibly the first in Nepal's history, would help run industries related to bamboo and create jobs for the youths, thereby recognizing indigenous skills and knowledge.

Bamboo, which is not only used for fodder for cattle but also firewood and household appliances, is found much in Nepal. The event would be attended by the researchers on bamboo, entrepreneurs, university educators, people's representatives, and local youths, among others, according to Tirtharaj Bhattarai, Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhugadhi municipality. 

Even a coordination committee has been formed under the chairmanship of former Minister for Forest, Environment and Technology, Ganesh Shah. The municipality is approaching with various associations for collaboration and support to make the event successful. 

The three-day event will also witness the participation of citizens from various countries who have involved in study and enterprise of bamboo.

Mayor Bhattarai further informed that the next executive meeting of the municipality would determine the estimated cost, presentation of working papers, stalls of household materials made of bamboo and the event management. Preparation for the conference was begun seven months back, he shared, adding that various committees and sub-committees were also formed for the event. 

A local committee has been formed under the coordination of ward no 10 chair Mugadhan Rai. He is also the coordinator of forest, environment, waste, and disaster management committee in municipality.

The conference is being held under the theme of 'Where there is life, there is bamboo.' 

Similarly, a gathering was held in the last May in Kathmandu under the initiative of Chairman of National Bamboo Research and Promotion Centre, KP Bhattarai. The gathering initially took the decision to organize the bamboo conference in Diktel. Although scheduled earlier for mid-October, the conference was postponed owing to floods and landslides.

The municipality has been promoting the use of materials made of multi-purpose tree, bamboo.

Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi is the largest local level in the district. It has 15 wards. This local level has adopted the policy to prioritize and promote local resources for income generation and employments. For this, bamboo products come on top.

Bamboo furniture is used in the offices of both Mayor Bhattarai and Deputy Mayor Bishan Rai. They had replaced the imported furniture with bamboo chairs and tables after they assumed office.

Varieties of bamboo species are found in Nepal. It is used for fodder, and products for household and cultural purposes as well in Khotang, an eastern hilly district of the country.  (RSS)