With the displacement of security posts, which were established for the security of the reserve, locals of Adhikarichaur, Bobang, Nishi and Bungadobhan of Baglung, Ranma, Maikot,Hukam,Taksera, Kol and Kakri of Rukum and Lulanng, Khoriaand Gurjakhani have been encroaching the reserve land. [break]
According to the study conducted by the DHR, 231 hector land of reserve at Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung have been encroached.
“Reserve lands near settlements are being encroached day by day,” Sher Singh Thagunna, Chief of reserve, said. The study shows that encroached lands have been used for potato farming and to run hotels. The reserve is spread over 1,325 square kilometer of land Baglung, Magdi and Rukum districts.
The encroachment hasnot stopped even after officials demolished walls built inside the reserve and punished the encroacher. “We have asked the police to check encroachment but that does not work,” said Thagunna. “Strong political commitment is necessary to check encroachment and they are taking benefits of current political instability in country,” he said.
Along with encroachment, deforestation is also on raise. Wardens across the nation, who met in Baglung last month decided to draw attention of Department of Wildlife about the growing encroachment.
Addressing the gathering, Director General of the department, Krishna Prasad Acharya expressed his commitment to take action to check the ongoing encroachment. The reserve administration has divided whole reserve in seven blocks for the management of hunting Jharal and Naur.
The reserve is habitat for naur, jharal,ghoral, snow leopard, musk deer, wild boar, thar, lizard and red panda.
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