Chitwan, July 16

A security operation camp was set up in Chitwan today to tackle the rising incidents of vehicles killing wild animals at Barandabhar of Tikauli road section along the East-West Highway.

The camp was set up with the joint initiative of Chitwan National Park, Nepali Army deployed to conserve the park and personnel of Armed Police Force and from the Armed Forest Guard Training Centre to expedite surveillance of protection of bio-diversity in the area.

Chitwan National Park Assistant Conservation Officer Abinaya Pathak said they would slap heavy fines on vehicle operators along the border of Bharatpur Metropolitan city and Ratnanagar Municipality, if they were found violating the rules. Parking, disposing waste, blowing horn and speed driving, among others, is not allowed in the area.“If any vehicle operator is found violating the rules, a two wheeler will be charged Rs 100 for each offence, Rs 500 for light vehicles and Rs 1,000 for heavy vehicles. Drivers who exceed 40 km per hour will also will be penalised,” said Pathak.

Six members, two each from the national park, Nepali Army and Forest Guard Training Centre will patrol the area round-the-clock, said Pathak.

Meanwhile, Chitwan National Park Chief Conservation Officer Ram Chandra Kandel informed that a large number of wild animals, including tigers, rhinoceros and others were threatened by increased vehicular movement along the road stretch and surrounding areas.

He claimed operation camp would effectively aid conservation of animals in the area.