CNP grows 20.63 square kilometers bigger

RATNANAGAR:  The area of Chitwan National Park has increased by 20.63 square kilometers, according to information published in the government Gazette.

With this, CNP area covers 952.63 square kilometers, an increment from earlier 932 square kilometers after a gap of 38 years. This is the second time the CNP area has been expanded since the sanctuary's establishment in 1973.

The expansion has taken place following the relocation of a human settlement at Padampur, the eastern sector of the CNP in 2003  by the government in line with the National Park and Wild Life Conservation Act 1973.

Enlisted as the World Heritage Site in 1984, the CNP that falls in the area of Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Makawanpur and Parsa districts, is home to various types of vegetation and wildlife including 605 rhinos, 120 tigers and 368 blue bulls.