BIRATNAGAR, July 17: The Morang-based Hariyalai Community Forest User Group has won the 'Ganeshman Singh National (First) Award' carrying a purse of Rs 100 thousand.
The forest-based in Sanischare municipality-3 was adjudged the best among 22,000 community forests across the country, according to Division Forest Office Biratnagar Chief Bishal Ghimire.
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Similarly, towards the private forest, Nil Bahadur Chauhan known as 'Salbaje' of Govindapur Tukiyakhadi, Sunwarsi municipality-6 has bagged the second prize of national level. The prize carries a purse of Rs 75,000 and a certificate. He has been engaged in the cultivation of Sal (Sohrea robusta) trees of several verities for 23 years.
Similarly, Mangalbare Sub Division Forest Office, Morang employee Tanka Bahadur BK has received the Ganesh Bahadur Shahi National Conservation Second Prize, carrying a purse of Rs 75,000 and a certificate.
The winners received the awards amidst a program organized here by the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, said Division Forest Office, Morang information officer Ram Lakhan Thakur.
The Hariyayali Community Forest User's chair Kabul Magar said the forest covers an area of 245.94 hectares of land and it was handed to the community in 2071 BS. The number of community forests in the district in 135.
