BANEPA, Jan. 5 -- The construction work for Panchkhal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is finally set to begin, seven years after the forest area was acquired as government land.

"We had to acquire the necessary document and go through the right legal channels to cut down trees from two community forests form the area, which took a very long time," said Arun Bhatta, an engineer at the SEZ construction project.

He said the contractor has already started cutting down trees in the forest. "Trees in one hectare of land will be cut down within the next 25 days," he said, adding, "We already have a contract agreement for construction of necessary buildings, which was signed last year. The construction works will also begin as soon as possible."

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