KANCHANPUR, FEBRUARY 23
With voting for the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5, residents living along the buffer zone of Shuklaphanta National Park have made mitigation of human–wildlife conflict their top electoral priority.
Farmers in the area report recurring crop and livestock losses caused by wild animals including boars, blue bulls, spotted deer, elephants, tigers and leopards. Herbivores routinely destroy paddy, wheat and sugarcane fields, while carnivores prey on cattle and goats, inflicting significant economic damage.
Ganga Ram Dagaura, 65, of Pipladi, said improved farm protection measures such as reinforced structures, electric mesh fencing, solar lamps and flashlights are urgently needed. "Our concerns have long been ignored. We will support candidates who are prepared to address them seriously," he said.
Kide Dhanuk, 60, of Khajuwa, noted that previously installed fencing was damaged by animals and monsoon rains. He called for durable electric fencing, embankment construction along the Syali River, blacktopped roads and improved irrigation facilities. More than 60 families reside in the Khajuwa settlement.
Mahesh Mahara of Jonapur said compensation mechanisms must also be strengthened. He cited a recent incident in which a tiger killed two hybrid cows belonging to a neighbouring family that had purchased the livestock through loans. "They are still waiting for compensation," he said.
The buffer zone of the park spans 243.5 kilometres and covers 48 wards across five municipalities and two rural municipalities. Thirty-eight local consumers' committees operate in the area to provide relief and coordinate support.
Locals, however, say existing measures are insufficient. They are urging election candidates to present long-term, sustainable strategies to reduce wildlife incursions and invest in essential infrastructure as part of their policy commitments.
(With inputs from RSS)
