In a laudable move to tackle the growing menace of road accidents and wildlife fatalities due to vehicle-wildlife collisions along the East-West Highway, the Banke National Park has introduced a time card system, marking a significant step towards ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. The initiative, implemented from Obhari of Shumshergunj, Raptisonaru rural municipality-8 to Kanchanpur Zero Point (Khairi Check post), covers a 15-kilometer stretch within the Banke National Park. The reason behind this has been attributed to the escalating road accidents and the tragic toll it has taken on the park's wildlife in recent days. The implementation of the time card system is a crucial response to address this issue, as it takes into account the safety of both the commuters and the precious wildlife inhabiting the region.
The wildlife lesson
The Banke National Park, established in 2067 BS, has consistently aimed at promoting the conservation of tiger habitats and biological routes. Covering an expansive 550 square kilometers, the park stands as a pivotal conservation area, interlinked with Bardiya, Dang, and Salyan districts. This initiative is in alignment with the objectives of the park, reinforcing the commitment to preserving the natural habitat and biodiversity of this region. The time card system, spanning a distance of 15 kilometers, is designed to facilitate the movement of vehicles while ensuring the safety of wildlife within the Banke National Park. Vehicles are expected to cross this distance in a reasonable time frame of 23-28 minutes. This careful calculation of travel time takes into account the need for an efficient commute, while also minimizing the risk of collisions between vehicles and wildlife, a win-win situation for both humans and the ecosystem.
The success of this initiative at Banke National Park can serve as a beacon of hope and an exemplary model for other national parks facing similar challenges. Replicating this time card system in other parks across the country could play a pivotal role in significantly reducing road accidents and the tragic loss of wildlife due to vehicle-wildlife collisions. The government authorities must proactively consider expanding this system to other vulnerable areas, thereby strengthening the efforts to protect our wildlife and ensure the safety of our road users. As a newspaper, we believe that the implementation of the time card system at Banke National Park is a commendable step in the right direction, reflecting the government's commitment to wildlife conservation and road safety. It is imperative to spread this successful model to other regions, harnessing its potential to mitigate road accidents and protect our invaluable wildlife. Let us prioritize the welfare of both humans and animals, creating a harmonious coexistence between the two in our natural landscapes.
