Wildlife conservationists and local representatives from Banke and Bardiya have urged for the development of highway structures that are friendly to wildlife. Their call emphasizes the need to integrate wildlife, environmental, and climate considerations into infrastructure projects such as the East-West Highway and postal roads.
Minister for Forest and Environment of Lumbini Province, Badshah Kurmi, underscored the importance of promoting wildlife-friendly infrastructure, highlighting it as a human duty to safeguard wildlife.
Bijaya Raj Subedi, Chief of the Division Forest Office Bardiya, expressed concerns about the impact of road construction on wildlife. He noted that roads built near forest areas are exacerbating human-wildlife conflicts. “The trend of constructing multiple roads to access the same village is causing significant issues for wildlife,” Subedi remarked.
Manoj Sah, Chief of Banke National Park, emphasized that while wildlife conservationists are not opposed to development, they advocate for infrastructure that accommodates wildlife. “Indiscriminate road construction is hindering wildlife movement, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts,” Sah stated.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Ram, Chief of Bardia National Park, called for the incorporation of measures to ensure smooth wildlife movement in both the park and adjacent forest areas. He stressed that sustainable development is only achievable if infrastructure projects consider all environmental aspects. “Haphazard construction directly impacts social, economic, and environmental well-being,” Ram warned.
The call to action reflects a growing consensus on the need for infrastructure development that harmonizes with wildlife conservation efforts, aiming for a balanced approach that benefits both human and animal populations.
