By Sirjan Khan, Nepalgunj, Mar. 17: Drying up of rivulets, ponds, lakes and wetlands have been a major problem at Banke National Park (BNP), posing a threat to the wildlife. In order to address the park’s water woes, especially during summer, the park management has installed five deep boring water ponds including solar ponds within the sanctuary’s premises.

According to Mahesh Neupane, Information Officer of BNP, a solar-powered machine will be used to continuously pour water into the ponds to prevent them from drying out in the sweltering heat. Likewise, five deep boring ponds have been added with three similar ponds under-construction. Furthermore, the Park is also contemplating installing five additional ponds. 

The pipes delivering water to the ponds have been buried under ground to protect it from getting trampled over by elephants. “It is necessary to build boreholes with boring water as animals need water all year round,” he added.

Park management has stated that about 30 ponds have been dug into the park to collect rainwater to prevent water woes.

Currently, water ponds including solar and deep bores are in operation near Gotheri, Gandhaili, near Shamsergunj, Buchapur and Nikunj Post.

There isn’t any water problem in the lower part of Chure region of the BNP. However, water woes are aplenty in the forest area along the highway. The scarcity has further accelerated the exodus of animals to nearby settlements to quench their thirst.

Information Officer Neupane said that residents of the slum area are in danger as tigers come around the slum in search of food and water. "Tigers don't go out looking for people, they look for water and food and when they get old, they go out of their group and wander here and there," he said. According to the park, two people were killed in a tiger attack in Banke last year.

Fortunately, the park management has woken up to the plight of Banke’s wildlife. As per Neupane, it has been striving to provide water and grassland for the animals, and a pond is being constructed by directly fetching water from the source in the Chisapani area.

The national park which was established nine years ago -- for expansion of the habitat of tigers -- is now home to 21 wild cats.