The Federal Parliament’s Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee has reviewed the findings from a recent monitoring visit to the Langtang National Park and its surrounding areas. The team provided updates during a committee meeting, detailing the status of the national park, wetlands, the Rasuwagadhi border point, and the Nuwakot Durbar area.
During an interaction with stakeholders in Uttargaya, the committee was briefed about the steps required to address local concerns and maximize benefits from the park. The team reported that a lack of coordination between local communities and officials was leading to conflicts over minor issues.
One of the major concerns raised by locals was the restriction on operating industries within one kilometer of the national park boundary, which has hindered industrial development in the region. The committee observed that this regulation poses a significant obstacle to industrial potential in the area.
Committee Chair Maya Prasad Sharma highlighted issues related to wildlife damage in the areas surrounding the park and the need for proper wildlife management plans. He noted that the park lacks defined wildlife population management strategies, which has contributed to ongoing problems.
The parliamentary team conducted the monitoring visit from September 22 to 24, which included a tour of the historic Nuwakot Durbar. Chair Sharma emphasized the need for relevant authorities to expedite the reconstruction of the Nuwakot Durbar, which had stalled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee has called for further discussions with government representatives and stakeholders to address the challenges faced by communities near the national park.
Chair Sharma also informed that the committee has plans to visit Shuklaphanta, Banke, and Bardiya National Parks in the coming days as part of their continued efforts to assess the situation in protected areas. The committee has already prepared a comprehensive plan for these visits.
