KATHMANDU: Representatives of families displaced by the expansion of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today, demanding land compensation through resettlement.

During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, 95-year-old Kamala Kumari Pokharel, along with other displaced representatives, reminded PM Oli of the state’s gentleman’s agreement made 48 years ago, when their homes were acquired for the reserve’s expansion, promising land in exchange.

On Falgun 6, 2080 BS (February 18, 2024), the government had formed a high-level commission under the leadership of Rakam Chemjong to address the concerns of the displaced. The commission recommended that 75 families still awaiting land compensation be resettled in Letang Municipality of Morang district.

Former commission member Manohar Narayan Shrestha, part of today’s delegation, urged the government to promptly implement the commission’s report. The delegation also informed PM Oli of a Supreme Court verdict dated Baisakh 5, 2046 BS (April 17, 1989), which directed the government to provide alternative land.

In response, Prime Minister Oli instructed Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal to study the issue and provide a formal reply to the displaced families within 15 days.