Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel emphasized the need to develop Kakre Bihar into an open-air natural zoo. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Karnali Grand Tree Plantation Festival’ organized by the Surkhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry today, Chief Minister Kandel stressed creating an environment in the Kakre Bihar jungle where friendly relations can be established with non-predatory wildlife.
“Infrastructure development is ongoing. If we can arrange tree guards and solar lighting on trees connected by paths, the beauty of this place will be further enhanced. This aspect also needs consideration,” he said. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of not only planting trees but also ensuring their protection and optimal use. He pointed out the need to organize the picnic activities held at Bulbule more systematically in the future.
Dr. Kedar Baral, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, expressed that protecting forests is a concern for all sectors. “The Earth is a shared home for everyone, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it. Forests play a crucial role in saving the Earth and maintaining environmental beauty, so we must work towards their conservation,” he said.
Dr. Nawaraj KC, a pediatrician and activist at Karnali Province Hospital Surkhet, stated that tree plantation is essential for the happiness and well-being of future generations. Division Forest Officer Basant Babu Shrestha of the Division Forest Office Surkhet highlighted that Kakre Bihar was declared Nepal’s first protected forest on Baishakh 1, 2059 BS, and tree plantations have been carried out to preserve its environment.
He mentioned that around 300 trees, including Jacaranda, Birendra Phool, Masala, Camphor, Neem, and Chhatiwan, have been planted, given their religious significance and beauty. Additionally, 1,600 trees have been planted in the Adarsh Community Forest of Birendranagar-2 and 10,700 trees in the Ram Janaki Community Forest of Ward No. 5.
