Ratnanagar, January 23

Locals have been barred from entering the Chitwan National Park after they folks were found felling sal trees inside the park.

The national park had been allowing locals to collect thatch grass a few days ago, but it has barred entry of locals after they were found felling sal trees. Chief Conservation Officer of the CNP, Ram Chandra Kandel, said local residents had been denied entry. He also said that the locals would not be allowed to enter the park with household weapons even if they were permitted entry in future.

Likewise, Assistant Conservation Officer Abhinaya Pathak said some of the locals were found trying to smuggle four-five sal trees near Shivadwara area of Ayodhyapuri. He, however, said that no one was arrested in connection with the incident.

As the local residents were found involved in felling trees, the CNP has decided not to allow the locals to cut thatch grass.