Kohalpur, Banke – A large-scale tree plantation campaign was launched today in the Usha Hariyali Community Forest Users Group area, Ward No. 9 of Kohalpur Municipality, with the objective of promoting environmental conservation, expanding green cover and supporting the sustainable management of community forests.

The plantation program is being implemented with a target of planting 2,400 saplings of various indigenous and environmentally significant species, including Mahuwa, Arjun, Harro, Satisal, Amla Indian Gooseberry , Moringa , Jamun, and Khair. The initiative is financially supported by Standard Chartered Bank, coordinated by Clean Up Nepal, and managed by Hement Raj Kaphale, Nepal planting Director of 8 Billion Trees Nepal.

The program was inaugurated by the Honorable Bhandari Lal Yadav, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of the Lumbini Provincial Government who attended as the Chief Guest. Participants extended their congratulations and best wishes to the Minister on his recent appointment and expressed confidence in his successful tenure.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including former Finance Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Banskota; Namaskar Shah Executive Director of BAS Nepal; Hem Raj Bhatt, Deputy Director of BAS Nepal; former Lions Governor Madhusudan Sharma; Sudhanshu Koirala, District Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Banke; Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Coordinator of the Citizens’ Society; social activist Min Mall Rabindra Lamichhane, Executive Director of Clean Up Nepal Prem Prakash Nepali, Project Coordinator Opendra Nath Yogi, Ward Chairperson of Kohalpur Municipality–9 officials from the Forest Division Office, community forest users and local residents.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Krishna Hari Banskota highlighted the growing importance of forest conservation environmental balance and the emerging concept of carbon pricing emphasizing that forests are becoming increasingly valuable both environmentally and economically
Sudhanshu Koirala shared his observations from a recent visit to China noting the country’s impressive green development initiatives and stressing the importance of planting more fruit-bearing trees in Nepal’s community forests.

Lumbini provience parliament member Ambika Kaphale spoke on the importance of protecting forests preserving biodiversity and ensuring a greener environment for future generations. Krishna Prasad Shrestha emphasized that effective environmental conservation and sustainable community forest development require strong cooperation among government agencies, local communities and civil society.
Ward Chairperson Upendra Nath Yogi stated that the community forest has long faced various challenges. While emphasizing the need to protect the forest, he also highlighted the importance of improving local infrastructure. He explained that during the monsoon season, the Dudhuwa River creates severe transportation difficulties for local residents. In many cases, families even struggle to transport deceased relatives across the river for funeral rites. He noted that he has repeatedly raised this issue with the concerned authorities, including the central government, seeking a permanent solution. According to him meaningful benefits for local communities can only be achieved by advancing forest conservation, expanding green cover, and developing essential infrastructure simultaneously.

The program was conducted under the slogan “Protect Community Forests, Expand Greenery, Build a Happy and Prosperous Society.” Participants collectively emphasized the need to continue such environmental campaigns to strengthen biodiversity, promote sustainable forest management and build a greener future.

According to the organizers, the campaign is expected to enhance environmental awareness at the local level while making a significant contribution to the conservation development and sustainable management of community forests in the region.