MP Madankumari Sah Calls for Legal Framework for Pastureland Management

Kathmandu. Nepali Communist Party MP Madankumari Sah has stated that a separate legal arrangement is necessary to clarify which level of government will have the responsibility for the conservation, management, utilization, and regulation of pastures and grazing lands according to the federal structure. Speaking at a multi-stakeholder discussion program organized on the topic of transforming experiences gained from the pasture and grazing land restoration program of Nepal and Bhutan into Nepal's pasture policy, she mentioned that a clear legal basis is necessary for the performance and coordination among the three tiers of government. She stated that some provisions of the Pasture Policy, 2068 BS, do not align with Nepal's current laws and federal structure. She clarified that a study of the current status of the policy, legal harmonization, and implementation is necessary as practical problems have arisen regarding the rights, use, management, and conservation of pastures. Sah said, 'It seems necessary to have a clear legal arrangement to clarify which level of government will have the responsibility related to the conservation, management, utilization, and regulation of pastures in the federal structure and for coordination among the three tiers of government. Some provisions of the Pasture Policy, 2068 BS, do not align with the current laws and federal structure, leading to practical problems.' She stated that the pastures and grazing lands in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Nepal are the basis of the traditional livestock farming system and are directly related to sheep, goat, yak, and cattle farming. She mentioned that pasture areas have been contributing significantly to the livelihood of the Himalayan and hilly communities, as well as to local employment, food security, and the rural economy. Sah stated that climate change, changes in water sources, degradation of pasture areas, soil erosion, natural disasters, and changing socio-economic conditions have added new challenges to the traditional pasture system. She added, 'In the context of the impact of climate change, it is necessary to seriously address the pastures and grazing lands in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Nepal.' She emphasized the need to review the pasture policy and clarify the rights and responsibilities of the three tiers of government to address the current challenges. She stated that an effective coordination structure needs to be developed among the federal, provincial, and local levels for the sustainable use and conservation of pastures.