Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation Matrika Yadav said that deforestation in the country is going unabated because the state 'has been protecting timber smugglers.' Minister Yadav said: "Everyone, from ranger, district forest officer (DFO) to the director-general (DG), are protecting the smugglers. Nepal has turned into a hub for smugglers."
Inaugurating the third convention of the Nepal Forest Guards in Nepalgunj on Sunday, he termed the guards a "toothless tiger at the hands of smugglers".
"Although forest guard is the final authority to check deforestation, he is powerless. Detained smugglers were released on the orders of the DFOs and the ministers," Yadav further said.
Urging forest guards, rangers and DFOs to work honestly, he said: "Be content with whatever you people earned in the past. Time has come for you to pledge that you will never indulge in corruption nor will let ministers do the same."
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Source: The Himalayan Times
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