Government Plans ‘Tiger Sanctuary’ Construction in Devnagar; Minister Chaudhary Conducts On-site Inspection
June 22, Kathmandu – Agriculture, Forest and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary, while conducting a field visit to Chitwan National Park and its surrounding areas, emphasized the government’s commitment to managing human-wildlife conflicts and conserving biodiversity. During her trip to Chitwan for the National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party) convention, Minister Chaudhary inspected various conservation centers, proposed projects, and research laboratories within the park. She also visited the planned construction site for the ‘Tiger Sanctuary’ in Devnagar.
Given the high costs and challenges involved in managing more than a dozen problematic tigers rescued nationwide by keeping them in enclosures, the government has proposed developing a ‘Tiger Sanctuary’ over approximately 50 hectares in Devnagar. Minister Chaudhary stated that the government is resolute in establishing coexistence between humans and wildlife. She remarked, “Reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife while fostering coexistence is a top priority for us. Once the Tiger Sanctuary is established in Devnagar, problematic and injured tigers currently confined in narrow enclosures will have a natural habitat. Moreover, this initiative will add a new dimension to Chitwan’s tourism sector and provide significant support to it.”
During the visit, she engaged in detailed discussions with park administration officials regarding the necessary master plan and budget for the project. Minister Chaudhary also inspected the Khorsor Elephant Breeding Center and the Gharial Breeding Center located within the park office premises. At the Khorsor Center, which has contributed significantly to elephant conservation by successfully breeding 68 calves over 33 years, she inquired about the health, nutrition, and operational challenges concerning mother elephants and calves. She highlighted the vital role the gharial conservation and population growth programs have played in improving the ecological system of the riverine areas.
The minister directed the responsible authorities to ensure the secure habitat of the blackbuck and stressed the need to enhance the capacity, physical infrastructure, and modernization of training for wildlife crime control at the Armed Forest Guards Training Center in Tikouli. Additionally, she visited the state-of-the-art Wildlife Genomic Lab operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). The inspection team included the Chief Warden of Chitwan National Park, the Chief of the Division Forest Office in Chitwan, the NTNC’s Secretary, and other officials. Minister Chaudhary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing relief, rescue efforts, and long-term infrastructural development to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, maintaining active engagement with local communities.
