The Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) authority has said that the habitat of swamp deer, locally known as Barasingha, is at risk due to the erosion caused by Mahakali River.

The area between Piparya Post and the border pillar at Dhakanaghat is eroded every monsoon. SWR official said the river has already eroded about seven kilometres forest area.

Karna Bahadur Bam, a veterinarian at the SWR, said the erosion started from 2001. “Sishamjhala, Ranijhala Chorjhala and some small forest areas near the rive bank have already been swallowed by the river. Forests at Dhakanaghat, Gadarghat and Simlaphanta are also getting eroded,” said Bam.

Chief Conservation Officer Bed Kumar Dhakal said the river will enter into the reserve if the erosion is not controlled on time.

“A massive flood had destroyed some parts of the reserve two years ago. Now the Barasingha habitat is in danger,” he said.

“We have requested the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), President’s Chure Conservation Programme (PCCP) and People’s Embankment Programme to control the erosion.”

Chief of the PCCP Rameshwor Khanal said they inspected the affected areas of the SWR. The SWR authority has also sent a letter to the DNPWC with a request to control Mahakali.

Nepal Army Lt Col Uttam Thapa of Bhawani Box Battalion said the security posts at Pipariya and Barkola get flooded every monsoon. “Patrolling is difficult, particularly during the monsoon. We have to use elephants because the area is waterlogged,” he said.

The SWR is spread across 305 sq km. It is home to  animals like tiger, rhino, elephant, deer and different bird species.