KATHMANDU:- A total of 338 local levels in the country have properly completed the classification of their land use plans by mid-April. This initiative aims to enhance the formulation and implementation of land use strategies across the country. 

Among these, 169 local levels have not only classified their land but also updated their maps and collected relevant statistical data. However, 47 local levels were unable to commence this work due to various reasons.

Meanwhile, 15 local levels have developed standards with updated maps specifically for the agricultural sector.

Currently, 50 local levels are in the process of preparing their bases and standards for the land use plan.

The Ministry of Land, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration has emphasized that the Land Use Act grants local levels the authority to classify land.

The Ministry also highlighted the importance of timely classification of agricultural and non-agricultural land, which is expected to lead to several benefits, including the protection of arable land, improved agricultural production, enhanced food security through chaklabandi (managed unified plotting for systematic farming), and better infrastructure development for orderly urbanization and natural resource conservation.

The deadline for completing land use classification is set for mid-July. (RSS)