The Sudurpashchim Provincial Government has announced the implementation of its decision to establish the Badimalika-Ramaroshan Forest Conservation Area, linking the Badimalika region of Bajura with the Ramaroshan region of Achham. The declaration aims to bring the two districts’ important forest and natural areas under a single conservation framework to strengthen the protection of forests, biodiversity and natural resources while creating a foundation for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism development.
Provincial Cabinet Decision Leads to Declaration
Speaking at a programme held in Dhangadhi, Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah said the conservation area was declared in accordance with the decision of the provincial Cabinet meeting held on Shrawan 19. According to Shah, the provincial government has made the decision to develop the significant forest and natural areas of the two districts as a unified conservation area. The declaration has been made under Section 26 (1) of the Sudurpashchim Province Forest Act, 2077. Shah said the provincial government is committed to making the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and forests in the Badimalika and Ramaroshan regions more effective.
Areas of Bajura and Achham Included
The newly declared conservation area covers several local administrative areas of Bajura and Achham. In Bajura, the area includes wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 of Badimalika Municipality and wards 5, 6, 7 and 9 of Triveni Municipality. Similarly, in Achham, wards 1 and 2 of Mellekh Rural Municipality and wards 4, 5 and 6 of Ramaroshan Rural Municipality have been incorporated into the conservation area. Together, the designated areas cover approximately 498.4 square kilometres of forest and natural landscape.
Badimalika and Ramaroshan Offer Strong Tourism Potential
Badimalika is considered an important destination from both religious and natural tourism perspectives. The region is known for the Badimalika temple and its surrounding high-altitude landscapes, attracting pilgrims and nature enthusiasts. Ramaroshan, meanwhile, is renowned for its natural beauty, lakes, forests and rich biodiversity.
The area has considerable potential for nature-based tourism, trekking and ecological exploration. By bringing the two destinations under a common conservation geography, the provincial government expects to strengthen both environmental protection and the development of eco-tourism in the region.
Focus on Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation
The provincial government has said that the conservation of forests, wildlife, biodiversity and other natural resources within the designated area will remain a key priority. The government also plans to emphasize effective management of the conservation area while ensuring the participation of local communities. Community involvement is expected to play an important role in protecting natural resources and creating sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
Conservation Declaration to Support Tourism Development
The integrated conservation framework is also expected to create opportunities for coordinated tourism development between the two districts. The provincial government believes that bringing Badimalika and Ramaroshan under a single conservation framework can help promote environmentally responsible tourism while preserving the region’s natural and cultural assets. The declaration is also expected to encourage greater cooperation among local governments in Bajura and Achham on forest conservation, biodiversity management and tourism promotion.
Foundation for Sustainable Tourism
The Badimalika-Ramaroshan Forest Conservation Area is expected to serve as a foundation for balancing environmental protection with tourism and local economic development. With its combination of forests, biodiversity, religious sites, lakes and mountain landscapes, the newly designated area has the potential to emerge as an important eco-tourism corridor in Sudurpashchim Province, provided conservation and tourism development are carried out with strong community participation and sustainable management.
