President Paudel highlights role of Chure in balancing ecosystem

Kathmandu, June 16: President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed the opinion of implementing the Chure conservation efforts with policy and regal reforms based on empirical evidences and the strengthening of organizational structure of the relevant board.  

During his address to a special programme organised on the occasion of the Chure Conservation Day -2082 BS in Kawasoti of Nawalparasi today, the President sought the seriousness on the part of all bodies concerned towards the need to review of achievements of the Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Development Board.  

On the occasion, the President couple planted the Bar (Bunyan) and Peepal trees at the Jyotipunja Community Forest that spans to 28 bighas of area (about 18.96 hectares) at Kawasoti municipality-3. The Head of the State was accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel.   

According to the President, integrity, a high sense of responsibility and dutifulness are vital for the organisation established with such a significant responsibility of conserving the Chure region. 

Under the Chure conservation efforts, some achievements have been secured in terms of controlling canyon landslides, seasonal floods, managing ponds and wetlands, constructing ponds, protecting  riverbanks, promoting afforestation, implementing agroforestry programmes, and conserving sensitive areas, the expected results have still remain elusive, according to the President.  

The Head of the State further stressed the need to conserve and ensure sustainable use of natural resources along the Chure region so as to improve its existing situation and minimise the potential soil erosion in the region. 

He reminded all the bodies concerned of the objective of forming the Committee that is improve the living standards of the local people by sustainably conserving 164 river systems and their watersheds in the Chure and ensuring the proper management of such resources. 

The Chure region that spread to 37 districts is connected to the livelihoods of around 60 percent of the Nepal's population. Human-caused phenomena such as growing population density, poverty, unscientific farming practices, deforestation, and exploitation of riverine resources have led to the depletion of natural resources available in the Chure region, he added. 

Highlighting the role of the Nepali Army in the conservation of Chure, the President who also serves as the Supreme Commander of the NA pressed the need to promote afforestation in the area hit by soil erosion and constructing artificial ponds for the conservation of waters with handing their ownership to the locals. 

The President that the Chure region, composed of loose rocks, is geologically fragile and sensitive, making it highly vulnerable and sensitive to natural disasters like soil erosion, floods, landslides, and riverbank erosion. He warned that arable land in the Terai may turn into deserts due to the risk of soil erosion and landslides from the Chure hills.  

He said, “The Chure region naturally functions as the groundwater recharge zone for the Terai. It is abundant in biodiversity, provides a habitat for rare wildlife, and serves as an ecological corridor, making it essential for maintaining and balancing the ecosystem." (RSS)