Experts have emphasized the critical importance of conserving the Chure region for the prosperity of Madhesh. During a two-day training on “Chure Conservation and Development” organized by the Specialized Research Center of Madhesh Province in Bardibas, experts in Chure and watershed management highlighted the deep connection between the Chure region and the daily lives of Madheshi people, calling for multi-stakeholder attention to its preservation.
On the first day, Vice Chairman of the Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission, Dr. Sohan Prasad Sah, stated that essential aspects of Madhesh’s livelihood, including energy, drinking water, environment, and irrigation, are interlinked with the Chure region, making its conservation a top priority. He also stressed the need to raise awareness about Chure conservation at an individual level.
Similarly, Dr. Nagendra Prasad Yadav emphasized the need for clear identification of issues before addressing Chure conservation challenges. He recommended that all three levels of government and stakeholders develop and implement well-planned programs for long-term solutions. Dr. Yadav also called for a clear policy on the sustainable use of Chure’s natural resources for the benefit of humanity.
Chure and climate expert Dr. Binod Bhatt presented a discussion paper titled “Chure Conservation: Whose Concern, Whose Responsibility,” focusing on reducing the adverse effects of global climate change on the Chure forests and watersheds. Chure expert Nagdev Yadav shared practical lessons from successful local initiatives, such as stream control, water recharge pond construction, landslide prevention, and tree planting.
The training also featured remarks from Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, Secretary of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), who highlighted the institution’s contributions over its 44-year history, including advancements in briquette production, solar energy, email usage, ecosystem research, food irradiation testing, and invasive species management.
The two-day event concluded under the chairmanship of the Specialized Research Center’s management committee president, Prof. Dr. Parasnath Yadav. Participants were also taken to observe effective Chure conservation practices in areas like Pani Khola management in Bardibas-1 and riverbed farming in Gaushala-8 Kushmadhi.
The training brought together 50 participants, including heads of division forest offices from all eight districts of Madhesh, officials from four provincial land and watershed management offices, representatives from irrigation canal conservation committees, and community forest user committees, according to the Specialized Research Center.