MOHOTTARI:  A total of 6,027 trees will be cut down in Mahottari district as part of the East-West Highway expansion project.

Rajesh Kumar Das, the Chief of the eastern section of the Kamala-Dhalkebar-Pathalaiya road project, stated that an order has been issued following the completion of all necessary procedures through the Division Forest Office, the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, and the Ministry of Forest and Environment.

Chief Das revealed that a total of 11,577 trees have been authorized for removal across the districts of Mahottari, Dhanusha, and Sarlahi, where the eastern section of the project will be carried out. Of this total, 3,674 trees will be removed in Sarlahi, 1,876 in Dhanusha, and 6,027 in Mahottari, according to Das.

He also mentioned that the highway will be expanded to six lanes, maintaining a width of 31 meters in urban market areas, while in other regions, it will be widened to four lanes with a total width of 18 meters.

Das noted that the majority of the trees slated for removal during the highway expansion are Saal (Shorea robust).

He pointed out that relocating electricity poles and installing drinking water supply pipes pose significant challenges during the expansion project.

Tree felling bid has already commenced in Dhanusha and Sarlahi, and the process will soon begin in Mahottari, he added.