10-year plan ready to conserve Kakre Bihar forest area

By Lalit Basel.Surkhet, June 28: A 10-year action plan has been formulated to protect Kakre Bihar, Nepal's only protected forest in Surkhet. The Department of Forests and Soil Conservation in Kathmandu, with technical support from Environmental Forum for Research and Development Nepal Pvt. Ltd., prepared this conservation plan for Kakre Bihar.

Kakre Bihar is an important area from the environmental, historical, archaeological, religious and cultural perspective, which prompted the formulation of a conservation plan, covering the fiscal years 2025/2026 to 2034/35.

The Kakre Bihar forest conservation area, which spans 175.50 hectares across Birendranagar Municipality Ward Nos. 9 and 10, is home to around 25 types of mammals, 41 bird species, and various kinds of fish, amphibians and reptiles as well as 93 tree species.

The action plan was prepared through a review of programmes and by gathering suggestions from various sectors, all spearheaded by the Division Forest Office, Surkhet. The plan covers key areas such as sustainable forest management, archaeological, religious and environmental conservation and the protection of biodiversity and wildlife corridors.

Similarly, the action plan also includes other subjects like public awareness programmes, capacity and institutional development, climate change and payment for environmental services, promotion of alternative fuels, income generation for the poor, eco-tourism development, and action-oriented study, research and documentation.

An estimated budget of around Rs. 4.2 million has been proposed to put this special 10-year action plan into effect. Of this, around Rs. 3.5 million is for programme expenses and Rs. 700,000 for administrative costs, according to Basanta Babu Shrestha, the Divisional Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office, Surkhet. 

The plan also proposes a budget for planning and development. A budget of Rs. 1.5 million for building watchtowers, Rs. 1 million for a mini zoo, Rs. 3 million for footpath construction and maintenance, Rs. 5 million for a wildlife rescue centre, Rs. 2 million for the repair, reconstruction and conservation of historical, archaeological, and religious heritage and Rs. 4.8 million for eco-tourism development and management, along with other projects, has been proposed.

The Division Forest Office, Surkhet, will be responsible for implementing the programmes outlined in the action plan. The action plan proposes the formation of Kakre Bihar Forest Conservation Area Council. An executive committee for the council will be chosen from among the council's representatives.

This working committee will consist of an elected chairperson, vice-chairperson and members, while the member secretary will serve as an ex-officio member. 

The plan proposes that the committee will have up to eleven members.  Shrestha explained that a forest officer appointed by the Division Forest Office, through coordination, will act as the member secretary and manager, overseeing the programmes of this council's executive committee.

Shrestha emphasised that developing a short-distance trek through the Kakre Bihar forest, featuring Shikar-style temples, historic forts and vibrant local culture, could boost trekking tourism. He believes that highlighting the area's unique ecology, tradition and way of life would attract more visitors.

The action plan also mentions that a yoga and meditation centre, a mini zoo and a wildlife rescue centre can also be built. Kakre Bihar forest area was officially declared a protected forest on May 13, 2002. 

The action plan prioritises forest fire control, construction and maintenance of water ponds, controlling grazing, formation of Eco Clubs, formation and deployment of anti-poaching and illegal logging task forces, conservation education for herders and guardians, establishment and distribution of a wildlife damage relief fund, tree plantation and regeneration conservation and nursery and plant production.