The Division Forest Office has issued a clarification regarding an incident in which forest staff allegedly pushed a tempo (three-wheeler) off a cliff in the Gaimare Chure forest area under Godawari Community Forest, Ward No. 4 of Godawari Municipality.

During a press conference, the office claimed that the forest employees did not intentionally push the vehicle off the cliff. According to the office, the tempo was not in working condition, with its engine and wheels completely damaged, and was being used as an illegal structure built after encroaching on forest land.

Senior Division Forest Officer Dr. Ram Bichari Thakur stated that the Gaimare Chure area is highly sensitive in terms of forest conservation, and regular campaigns are being conducted to control encroachment. He added that illegal huts and makeshift structures have long been constructed and even traded within public forest areas.

The office said that illegal structures were rebuilt in the area about five months ago, and notices were issued a month earlier to remove them. While some structures were cleared, the tempo used by an individual named Ghanshyam Dhami was not removed despite instructions.

The office also stated that forest staff had previously pushed the same tempo to the owner’s house, but it was later brought back and used as a shop at the same location.

During another encroachment removal drive on Jestha 29, the individual reportedly refused to remove the tempo, leading to a confrontation. After the person allegedly said, “Do whatever you want, I will not remove it,” the staff attempted to move the non-functional vehicle. However, due to the steep terrain and imbalance, the tempo accidentally slipped and fell off the cliff, the office clarified.

The Forest Office urged the public not to misrepresent or exaggerate the incident, stating that forest protection and encroachment control activities are being carried out in accordance with the law.