(1) The Government of Nepal, in consultation with the provincial government and related local levels, may establish environmental protection zones by publishing notices in the Nepal Gazette of natural heritage or aesthetic sites or places of historical or cultural importance that are considered very important from the point of view of environmental protection.
(2) When constructing a road, building, river management, urban planning or any other physical infrastructure, the Government of Nepal may designate such area as an open or green area for the purpose of protecting the environment of a particular area in coordination with the relevant agencies.
(3) An environmental protection zone or sub-section established in accordance with sub-section (1). According to (2), it may be prohibited to do any work as specified within the open or green area.
(4) In case of excessive environmental pollution, landslides, over-exploitation of natural resources or natural disasters in a specific area or place, the Nepal Government, in consultation with the relevant local level, shall designate such area or place as an environmentally sensitive area. Toki may issue any appropriate order for environmental balance, management or environmental restoration.
(5) The Government of Nepal may designate a place where any harmful or dangerous substance or waste is stored or dumped or where there is excessive environmental pollution due to other reasons, and prohibit the movement of the general public.
(6) If there is an environmental improvement in the place as per sub-section (4) or (5), such area can be removed from sensitive area or polluting area.
(7) The local community may be made to participate in the management of the area maintained or designated in accordance with this section for environmental protection. Explanation: For the purposes of this section and section 36, "local community" means the community living in or around such area.
(8) The local community shall be made to participate in the benefit obtained from the management of the area managed in accordance with sub-section (7) as prescribed.