Ponds in Chitwan National Park drying up

By Shaligram Nepal,Chitwan, June 13: Ponds in Chitwan National Park (CNP) have started drying up due to extreme heat. As water sources diminish inside the park, wild animals have begun venturing out in search of water. 

The large Thapalia Pond in the park, known for its tiger sightings, has completely dried up, marking the first time it has happened. Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the CNP Information Officer, confirmed that the small and medium-sized ponds and lakes are now also dry. 

"Water sources are crucial for wild animals. Rhinoceroses have been the most affected since the lakes started drying up. With their nearby habitat lake now depleted, they have been compelled to seek out alternative water sources," he stated.

Tiwari added that animals such as rhinoceroses, deer, antelope, wild boar, and others have been leaving the park in search of water. The reduction of water resources has resulted in a scarcity of grass as well. The grass in the eastern area of the park has begun to fade, further driving the wild animals out of the park in search of food. 

The water level in lakes like Lami, Tamor, Bisahjari, and Batuli in the park has significantly dwindled. Additionally, the grasslands in the eastern region, particularly in Kumroz, have dried up. Tiwari further said that other areas have also been affected by the dry weather. 

Prakas Dhungana, Chairman of the Buffer Zone Management Committee, said that the lakes in the middle area of the park are drier compared to the inner area. He added that most of the artificial and natural ponds in the buffer zone areas of Chitwan, Nawalparasi, and Parsa have dried up. Dhungana mentioned that due to the water scarcity, water is being drawn from generators in the central pond of the Nawalparasi area to replenish the pond. 

"CNP is known for its rich diversity and abundant water sources, but this time the situation is different due to the extreme heat. Consequently, wild animals are facing some discomfort during the dry season," Dhungana said. 

According to the park authorities, all the small ponds have dried up, and even the larger ponds have been affected by the dry season. Once a popular tourist destination, Batule Lake has dried up entirely and is now covered in water lily weeds. Nearly all of the around 50 large ponds inside the park have now dried up.