Investigation Launched Into Community Forest Timber Approvals in Kailali
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in the approval of timber sales from community forests in Kailali, conducting simultaneous raids at the Division Forest Offices in Dhangadhi and Pahalmanpur. Officials seized relevant documents as part of an inquiry into claims that permits were issued in violation of existing forestry regulations.
According to Chet Raj Bhatta, Information Officer at the CIAA’s Kanchanpur office, the investigation follows complaints alleging that the offices authorised the felling and sale of green khair trees from 11 community forests through illegal procedures. Under the Dhangadhi Division Forest Office, approvals were reportedly issued for the sale of 186,000 cubic feet of timber from Bahrawan Collaborative Forest and 36,000 cubic feet from Kedareshwar Community Forest, totalling 222,000 cubic feet.
The complaint further alleges that the Pahalmanpur Division Forest Office approved the sale of an additional 123,000 cubic feet of timber from nine community forests, including Chhatyun, Mohanyal, Jagatpur, Sadepani, Mainapokhari, Shivashakti, Gatishil, Janata and Ghodaghodi.
In total, authorities are investigating the approval of approximately 345,000 cubic feet of timber from 11 community forests. CIAA officials said evidence is being collected and a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine whether laws and procedures were violated. No arrests have been made, and the inquiry remains in its preliminary stage.
