National
Conservationists achieve roaring transformation
Forest and wetland conservation efforts made by the locals of Pahariya, Domilla and Ghanapani villages in Kanchanpur have resulted in an incredible transformation of the region within a decade. No wonder tiger sightings have become a common phenomenon for the people here.Bhawani Bhatta & DR Panta
Forest and wetland conservation efforts made by the locals of Pahariya, Domilla and Ghanapani villages in Kanchanpur have resulted in an incredible transformation of the region within a decade. No wonder tiger sightings have become a common phenomenon for the people here.
Dal Bahadur Dhami of Bani said when he and the villagers could not believe their eyes when they spotted a Bengal tiger near the village. The endangered big cats had not been seen in the area for well over two decades. Many villagers were seeing the majestic creature for the very first time.
“But then it was not only us who had seen the tiger. Tiger sightings were also reported from other villages, we knew there were more than one roaming the forests in the region,” Bani said.
In the period of last six months, tiger sightings have been reported in at least 15 community forests in the region.
District Forest Officer Shiva Prasad Sharma said the area, which is a part of the Western Terai Landscape Complex of the Tarai Arc Landscape, could be developed into a tiger habitat with some planning and works.
“It is not just the forest cover, the locals have also succeeding in reviving the dying Sisne wetland. The number of other animals has also increased, which means the tiger population will have no problem finding preys,” Sharma said. “If we could link Laljhadi Mohana Biocorridor with the Chure area, the area could become a sanctuary not just for tigers but other animals as well.”
Mahesh Joshi, chairman of a local community forest coordination committee, said the arrival of tigers has also opened up tourism potential in the region.
“The locals are excited,” he said, “they are already planning to run homestay service in their villages.”