‘Bowl ponds’ in BNP: A lifeline for wildlife during summer

By Jyoti Panti,Babai (Bardiya), Mar. 26: With rising temperatures increasing water scarcity for wildlife, Bardiya National Park (BNP) has launched a campaign to construct ‘bowl ponds’ to ensure water availability during the dry season. Four such artificial ponds have been built at different locations inside the park this year. 

The ponds are named ‘bowl ponds’ due to their bowl-like shape. According to the park, sites have been selected where vehicles can easily access water supply. Arrangements have been made to refill the ponds regularly, ensuring a continuous supply of water for wildlife.

The park said the concept was introduced as an alternative measure, as natural water sources tend to dry up during summer and it becomes difficult to address shortages in artificial ponds immediately. The bowl ponds will be regularly monitored, and water will be transported and refilled promptly whenever levels drop. Conservation Officer Saroj Mani Poudel expressed confidence that the initiative would prove effective in preventing water shortages for wildlife during the hot season. Similarly, Chief Conservation Officer of the park Ashok Ram said the ponds would ensure easy access to water even when natural sources dry up.

Spanning around 968 square kilometres, BNP is traversed by the Karnali River. In recent years, the river’s flow has shifted westward, leading to reduced water levels in the eastern Geruwa channel, which has further affected wildlife.

The park believes that the bowl pond initiative will help mitigate such challenges and significantly contribute to wildlife conservation. It also plans to expand the number of such ponds in the coming years.