Lumbini govt to protect vulture habitat

By Our Correspondent,Kapilvastu, Aug. 31: The Lumbini Province government is taking steps to prioritise vulture conservation by allocating a dedicated portion of the budget towards preserving nature's invaluable creatures.

Speaking at a programme in Rapti Valley, the provincial capital, Finance Minister Dhan Bahadur Maski announced that the government has allocated a portion of the budget to safeguard these natural treasures.

Minister Maski said, "Vultures are facing a crisis on a global scale. Within Nepal, the Lumbini region has emerged as a crucial vulture habitat. The provincial government has formulated a comprehensive strategy to effectively manage and preserve this vulture habitat. Throughout this fiscal year, the focus will be on advancing programmes aimed at safeguarding the vulture habitat."

During the event, Dilli Bahadur Raut, Chairman of the Vulture Conservation Campaign Network, emphasized the crucial role of local governments in vulture conservation efforts.

Highlighting the advancements made in vulture protection through community awareness, Raut emphasized the necessity for collaboration between all three tiers of government and the local community. He stressed the importance of joint efforts in areas such as food management and infrastructure development.

During the event, Bhupal Nepali, programme officer of Bird Conservation Nepal, highlighted how Lumbini Province has emerged as a safe haven for vultures, attributing this achievement to the collaborative efforts of community forests and conservationists.

According to various reports, the mortality rate of vultures has declined following the reduction in the usage of diclofenac, a medicine commonly used in animal treatment.

To further contribute to vulture conservation, the Jatayu restaurant has been established across three distinct locations -- Gaidatal in Rupandehi, Lalmatia in Dang and Syanapani in Tulsipur within the Lumbini Province.

A wildlife treatment centre is also in operation at Hemantapur in Tulsipur with the help of the community.