In a significant initiative to support local wildlife, a community forest in Banke has recently completed the construction of a pond. The new facility, built at NPR 500,000, is located in the Bhagwati Community Forest in Raptisonari Rural Municipality-8, Ovri.
According to Tikarama Wali, the Chairperson of the community forest, water has been sourced from the drinking water tank in Shamsherbazar, with a pipeline stretching 1,200 meters to fill the pond. This new water source has made it easier for wildlife in the nearby reserve and community forest to access water.
Following the completion of the pond, the area has seen an increase in sightings of various wildlife species, including leopards, spotted deer, and wild boar. The community forest has also installed a ‘CCTV camera,’ which has captured images of 19 different bird and animal species, indicating a thriving ecosystem.
Sushil Subedi, Chief of the Shamsherganj Sub-Division Forest Office, reported that his office provided financial support for the pond’s construction. The pond, designed with a depth of five feet, a length of 100 meters, and a width of 50 meters, was built with natural contours to ensure ease of access for wildlife.
This development is a positive step towards enhancing the habitat for local wildlife and supporting biodiversity in the region. The construction of the pond reflects ongoing efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices and conservation within the community.
