Parliamentary panel directs government for re-survey and demarcation of buffer zones

 Kathmandu, March 19: The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives (HoR) has instructed the Ministry of Forests and Environment to make arrangements for re-survey and demarcation of the buffer zone of National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and Hunting Reserves. 

The directions were based on submissions of lawmakers during the deliberations on the Bill to Amend Some of Nepal Acts. The deliberations were on the national parks and wildlife issues within the Bill. 

Nepal is presently home to 12 national parks, one wildlife reserve, one hunting reserve, six protected areas and 13 buffer zones, covering the 23.39 percent or 34,419.75 square kilometers of the total land.  

Committee President Bimala Subedi said the Ministry has been urged to incorporate the human rights issues relating to human-wildlife conflict in the Bill. Before this, the Committee had consulted with those proposing amendments to the Bill, experts and Ministry office-bearers. 

The Bill that was registered in the Parliament a year ago addresses 81 acts including the Forests Act and the Committee has now decided to move it forward unanimously and present it to the parliament by its upcoming meeting. (RSS)