Mayor Harka Sampang accused of illegal tree cutting
The Division Forest Office in Sunsari has launched an investigation into the incident.
KATHMANDU: A formal complaint has been filed against Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang, accusing him of illegally cutting down trees in a community forest located in Bishnupaduka, Ward No. 20 of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City.
The Division Forest Office in Sunsari has launched an investigation into the incident.
According to officials, Mayor Sampang allegedly ordered tree felling using heavy machinery without obtaining prior permission from the concerned forest authorities.
The trees were reportedly cut down under the pretext of creating a fire line in the forest.
The complaint, registered on Chaitra 19, prompted the Division Forest Office to form a three-member investigation committee.
The committee is led by Mahesh Kumar Shah, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer of Bishnupaduka.
Other members include Lekhnath Bhandari, Sub-Divisional Forest Officer of Panchakanya, and Assistant Forest Officer Phoolkumari Bhote.
Chief of the Sunsari Division Forest Office, Khudros Miya, confirmed the formation of the committee and stated that a detailed inquiry is underway to determine the legality of the mayor’s actions.
