| Abstract | This paper examines the democratic functioning, which is a prerequisite of a sustainable community forestry programme in Nepal. The present study conducted in the Siswara community forest users group of Bardia district, a true representative of western Terai revealed that Siswara Community Forest Users Group (SCFUG) was different from other users groups in coordination, participation, management and organization in resource allocation and decision-making. The study necessitated further exploration on such functioning of community forest users groups in the Terai. |