KATHMANDU, JUNE 24
As Nepal's tiger population nearly triples in over a decade, the government is pushing ahead with plans for a dedicated sanctuary in Chitwan to house tigers that have turned into a threat to people and livestock.
Sixteen such tigers, involved in conflicts with humans, attacks on livestock, or rescued after injury, are currently kept in enclosures across Chitwan, Bardiya, Banke and Jawalakhel Zoo, at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 million per tiger each year.
Acting on an expert task force's recommendation, the Ministry of Forests and Environment has proposed building a 52-hectare Tiger Sanctuary in Devnagar, Chitwan, with Rs 30 million earmarked for the project in next fiscal year's budget.
Nepal's tiger count stood at 355 in the 2022 national census, up sharply from 121 in 2009. Officials say the sanctuary will give rescued tigers a more natural habitat while supporting both conservation and eco-tourism goals.
