Bharatganj Sigaul, Nijgadh, Nepal by Raj Kumar Rimal

In the center of Nepal lies a lush expanse of biodiversity and natural beauty known as the Nijgadh Forest.  Spanning over 6,000 hectares, this dense forest ecosystem is not just a collection of trees; it's a vibrant web of life that sustains countless species, mitigates climate change, and supports local communities. However, casting a shadow over this natural sanctuary is a contentious plan: the building of a central airport that might bring about negative consequences for the Nijgadh Forest and its fragile equilibrium.

The Magnificence of Nijgadh Forest

Nijgadh Forest is more than just a sea of green; it's a treasure trove of biodiversity. Within its emerald depths, an astonishing array of flora and fauna flourishes. The forest represents a transition zone between the Terai plains and the subtropical foothills of the Himalayas, resulting in a diverse range of plant and animal species. From towering sal trees to delicate orchids and medicinal herbs, the flora of Nijgadh Forest is a living encyclopedia of Nepal's botanical diversity. As for its fauna, the forest shelters a remarkable variety of wildlife. Rare and elusive species like the Bengal tiger clouded leopard, and Himalayan black bear roam these woods, highlighting the forest's role as a vital wildlife corridor. This corridor allows species to migrate between the lowland Terai and the higher reaches of the Himalayas, ensuring genetic diversity and ecological resilience.

Nijgadh Forest's Role as Carbon Sink and Climate Regulator:

Beyond its role as a biodiversity hotspot, Nijgadh Forest serves as a sentinel in the fight against climate change. Its dense foliage acts as a powerful carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to regulate the planet's climate. As the world grapples with rising carbon emissions, protecting and preserving forests like Nijgadh becomes not just an ecological concern, but a global imperative. The forest's impact on local and regional weather patterns is equally significant. By maintaining the balance of humidity and rainfall, Nijgadh Forest plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion, flooding, and landslides during the monsoon season. This natural resilience is a stark reminder of the intricate relationship between ecosystems and the well-being of surrounding communities. Nijgadh International Airport

A controversial proposal of Nijgadh Airport

The proposal to build the Nijgadh International Airport, also known as Nijgadh Hub Airport, within the Nijgadh Forest in Nepal has been a topic of significant controversy and debate due to its potential environmental impact. The idea of constructing a new international airport in Nepal was initially proposed as a solution to the capacity constraints of the existing Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Nepal's government aimed to establish Nijgadh as a hub airport that could handle larger aircraft and more passengers, contributing to the country's economic growth through increased tourism and trade. The cost of the project is estimated to be around 3.5 Billion dollars. The Nepalese government has expressed its commitment to advancing the Nijgadh International Airport project as a means to boost Nepal's economic prospects. Supporters of the project emphasize its potential to generate employment, increase tourism, and facilitate international travel. However, environmental organizations, local communities, and some experts have vehemently opposed the project due to its potential harm to the environment.

Major decisions made on the construction of Nijgadh Airport

Site Selection and Environmental Concerns: The controversy began with the selection of the Nijgadh site for the airport. The proposed airport location is in a dense forest area, which raised significant environmental concerns due to deforestation, habitat loss, and potential disruption to local ecosystems. Clearance from Environmental Bodies: The government of Nepal and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) believed that the project would boost the country's tourism and economy. However, environmentalists and experts raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on the environment. There was a debate about the necessity of the airport and the adequacy of environmental clearances. Forest Clearance and Opposition: One of the major decisions was the government's decision to clear a large area of the forest for the airport's construction. This led to protests and opposition from environmental activists, local communities, and various NGOs who were concerned about the irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Court Involvement: The controversy escalated to the courts. Lawsuits were filed challenging the legality of the project's environmental clearance and the potential ecological consequences. The judiciary's decisions played a significant role in shaping the course of the project. Government Stance: The government of Nepal, under different administrations, showed determination to proceed with the project despite the opposition. The airport was seen as a key infrastructure project with potential economic benefits for the country. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study: A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was conducted to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the airport. The findings of this study influenced the decisions of both the government and the courts. Compromise and Mitigation Measures: At various points, discussions revolved around finding ways to mitigate the environmental impact. Proposed measures included afforestation efforts, wildlife corridors, and other ecological conservation efforts. International Concerns: The controversy gained attention internationally due to the global focus on environmental conservation. International organizations and activists expressed concerns about the potential impact of the project on Nepal's unique biodiversity. Tourism vs. Environment Debate: The controversy highlighted the ongoing debate between promoting tourism and economic development versus preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. Supreme Court Verdict: The Nijgadh airport has been broiled in controversy ever since its Environment Assessment Impact report was published. On December 6, 2019, Supreme Court Justice Tanka Bahadur Moktan issued a stay order asking the government to immediately stop the felling of trees at the site, which a division bench of Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana and Justice Kumar Regmi upheld on December 22. After this, the construction process was on hold. The Resume Order by Government: Despite the final verdict of the Supreme Court President Ram Chandra Poudel has given an order to resume the construction of Nijgadh Airport. The policy and programmes of the government for this fiscal year presented by President Ramchandra Paudel in the meeting of the federal parliament announced to forward the construction process of the Nijgadh airport. The government has made the construction of Nijgadh Airport in prioritywhile setting a plan to construct it in around 1,900 hectares of area. The first phase of the construction of the airport is estimated to cost Rs 120 billion. Save Area that the proposed airport is going to cover. Photo: Google Earth

Bigger Impacts of Nijgadh Airport

The project's impacts extend beyond just the local environment, as it could have far-reaching consequences for the entire South Asian region.

Environmental and Ecological Impacts:

Deforestation and Habitat Destruction: The Nijgadh Forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Clearing large tracts of forest for airport construction would result in habitat loss, potentially leading to the extinction of certain species that rely on the forest for survival. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem and harm its overall resilience. Air and Water Pollution: Construction activities would likely generate air and water pollution, adversely affecting the air quality and water bodies in the area. Soil erosion and sedimentation could lead to pollution of rivers and streams, harming aquatic life and potentially affecting downstream communities. Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change: Forests play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Clearing a large forested area could release a significant amount of stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming and contributing to climate change impacts. Disruption of Migration Routes: The Nijgadh Forest serves as a migration route for various species of animals. The construction of an airport and associated infrastructure could disrupt these migration patterns, affecting the survival and reproductive patterns of these species. Loss of Indigenous Knowledge: Local communities often have intricate knowledge about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of their surroundings. The destruction of the Nijgadh Forest would result in the loss of this indigenous knowledge, which holds value for both ecological research and cultural heritage.

Impacts on Local Communities:

Displacement and Livelihood Loss: The construction of the airport could lead to the displacement of local communities who depend on the forest for their livelihoods, including indigenous and tribal groups. Loss of access to natural resources and disruption of traditional ways of life can have severe social and economic impacts. Water Scarcity: The Nijgadh Forest plays a role in regulating local water cycles, and its destruction could lead to changes in water availability. Local communities that rely on these water sources for agriculture and daily use may face water scarcity issues. Conflicts and Resettlement Challenges: Forced displacement and resettlement can create conflicts over resources and land ownership. Displaced communities may struggle to adapt to new environments and access basic services in their new locations. Building an airport in Nijgadh forest will wreak havoc on its biodiversity . Photo by Sushila Chhetri

Regional Implications:

Fragmentation of Biodiversity Corridors: The Nijgadh Forest is part of larger biodiversity corridors connecting various ecosystems in the region. Its destruction could fragment these corridors, hindering the movement of species and potentially leading to a cascading impact on ecosystems across South Asia. Climate Change Impacts: The release of carbon dioxide due to deforestation could contribute to climate change, affecting weather patterns, agriculture, and water availability across South Asia. Precedent for Development in Sensitive Areas: The construction of a major airport in a biodiverse forest could set a precedent for similar projects in ecologically sensitive areas across the region, leading to a cumulative negative impact on the environment. In conclusion, the tranquility of Nijgadh Forest faces a looming threat due to the proposed construction of an international hub airport. While the prospect of economic development is enticing, the potential consequences for the forest's fragile ecosystem and the local communities cannot be ignored. The construction would require extensive clearing of trees, disrupting habitats, threatening wildlife, and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. As Nepal contemplates its development path, the world watches with bated breath. The challenge lies in finding a harmonious balance between progress and preservation. The question remains: Can the potential benefits of the airport project be achieved without sacrificing the invaluable heritage of Nijgadh Forest?