Efforts underway to minimize human-wildlife conflict: Forest Minister Shahi

Kathmandu, Dec 9 : Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi said efforts are being made to place proper measures to minimize human-wildlife conflict.  

  
Talking to RSS after monitoring the Parsa National Park, he said the human-animal conflict has been rising after the wildlife    

According to him, human-wildlife conflict has started increasing as wildlife living in the park area have started entering the village settlements in search of food. "Human-wildlife conflict can be reduced if big animals like tigers and wild elephants are not allowed to come out into settlements and people do not enter the forest" the minister said.    

He added the ministry was making efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict.    

Minister Shahi said that the problem has started worsening as human settlements have started expanding towards movement route of forest animals. 

   
"Relief should be provided to the affected families immediately after the wildlife cause damages", he said, adding, "Locals suffering the loss have started attacking the wildlife when they did not get immediate relief".    

"It is the responsibility of all to protect the water and wildlife as the park is a major tourist destination", Minister Shahi said.    

The ministry is carrying out homework to use the fallen and rotten wood in the forest area and stop importing timber, he informed.    

He further shared that the Ministry was working to amend the Act and Rules to solve the problems of national parks and forest areas.    

Minister Shahi said that he was working to cut through the misconception that the ministry was an obstacle to development. "I have taken serious note of the problems seen in Parsa National Park and will put in place resolving measures", Minister Shahi said. (RSS)