Nepal government has announced a two-month ban on felling trees throughout the country. Talking to newsmen Forest Minister Deepak Bohara said the cabinet in its meeting on Wednesday imposed a complete ban on felling of tree until the government formulates a new policy that will properly regulate the number of trees cut down.<br/><br/>The government decision comes in the wake of increase in the number of trees being cut down in forests in the low-land Terai area. The government has also formed a probe panel to recommend measures for controlling deforestation and poaching of wild animals.<br/><br/>Around a quarter of the land mass in Nepal is under forest, and much of this is managed by community projects. <br/><br/>Such projects in the foothills of the Himalayas have been successful in preserving forest cover, but projects in lowland areas have been less well managed. Conservationists have expressed serious concern over the over the rate of deforestation in Terai districts over the past few months. <br/><br/>There are also threats from squatters who have moved into the forest areas for settlement in recent years. <br/><br/>Forests are vitally important to Nepal, where the majority of the population still depends on agriculture for livelihood. Besides, providing firewood and building materials, forests help collect and store groundwater, protect lowland areas from landslides and encourage biodiversity.