Around 2,200 people collected sapling for free from DPF Nursery this year. The free plant distribution programme started on 26.07.2014 ended on 18.08.2014, continued for 22 days. Six staff from DoF, Two from DPF Council and Two from Mithila Wildlife Trust was busy in distribution of the sapling and Two Lakh and Fifteen Thousand sapling were distributed during the period.
This is the condition of a single nursery, where DoF, Dhanusha is having more than 10 Nursery including One in District Office. The craze of private plantation in Dhanusha district can be assumed from the situation as no plant remains in any of the nursery. DoF, Dhanusha has planned to expand the programmes in other places of the district.
The changing trend in Dhanushadham municipality is quite positive and should be appreciated as the populations diverted to private plantation were depending on DPF to fulfill their need of firewood and timber products, which is impossible for a small patch of the forest. As per the records, 8,603 households are there in Dhanushadham where only 18,816 Nos. of trees are remaining in the forest. So, it is confirmed that substitute is required instead of depending on the existing forest.
This is the one of the examples, which made to think DoF and MWT to protect this forest. The existence of the forest was in danger, but fortunately the regular interaction and awareness programmes of both DoF and MWT have solved the problems.
Government of Nepal should encourage more private plantation throughout country, so that, the forest can be secured without any conflict with local community. We have experienced that community participation works best for such conservation.