Initiatives in place to reduce human-wildlife conflict: Minister Chaudhary

Kathmandu: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has said the Ministry had prioritised the safety and relief to farmers and local communities affected by human-wildlife conflict.

In response to the lawmakers’ queries related to the Ministry in the National Assembly meeting on Friday, Minister Chaudhary informed that construction of necessary infrastructure, along with prevention and protection programmes were given continuity to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

“A budget of Rs. 411 million was allocated for the fiscal year 2083/84 under the human-wildlife coexistence programme,” she said.

According to her, the budget would be utilised for constructing ponds and solar fences, creating grasslands, purchasing equipment related to wildlife handling and rescue and constructing mesh wire fences for the protection of agricultural land and the construction of other infrastructures.

“Since the above programme will be executed in the buffer zone, it is legally mandatory to conduct training in the related community for capacity development, livelihood, and conservation awareness as per the Buffer Zone Management Regulations, 2052,” she explained.

The Minister also said programmes to mitigate the impacts of climate change were also of high priority. RSS