Chitwan, known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, has recently become home to two rescued elephants at the Baghmara Forest in Sauraha. These elephants, previously used in private ownership, have been relocated to the forest due to concerns about their well-being and care.
Ramesh Silwal, the manager of Hotel Bishta in Chitwan, expressed worries about the elephants’ adjustment to their new environment. He highlighted the challenges in providing suitable facilities for these elephants, emphasizing the lack of infrastructure for their proper care and management.
The cost of maintaining an elephant, including feeding them a diet of rice, straw, sugarcane, chickpeas, green grass, and other essentials, amounts to over a hundred thousand rupees per month. The recent influx of wild elephants into the vicinity has prompted locals to advocate for a unified approach to elephant management, especially as the demand for elephant rides and tours by tourists remains a contentious issue.
With the establishment of the Chitwan National Park and the growing number of elephants being kept in the region, Deepak Bhattarai, the former president of the Regional Hotel Association in Sauraha, emphasized the need for government support in managing the elephants. He noted that the challenges faced in the present day have been persistent over the years and require a collaborative effort to address effectively.
Ganga Giri, the current president of the Regional Hotel Association, highlighted the significance of elephant tourism in attracting both domestic and international visitors to Chitwan National Park. However, he also stressed the importance of involving stakeholders in the elephant management sector to ensure sustainable practices and minimize negative impacts on the local economy and employment.
The United Elephant Operation Cooperative, headed by Deependra Khatiwada, has raised concerns about the escalating costs of elephant upkeep, decrease in tourist numbers due to ethical considerations, and the criminalization of elephant riding under the guise of animal rights advocacy. As a result, elephant owners are facing hardships in maintaining these majestic animals, leading to a precarious situation for them.
The iconic “Jeep Safari” and rare elephant rides, offering glimpses of endangered species like rhinos, tigers, and various wildlife, have made Chitwan National Park a focal point for both domestic and international tourists. The establishment of the park in 2030 aimed to promote eco-tourism while conserving the region’s biodiversity.
In conclusion, the challenges surrounding elephant management in Chitwan underscore the need for a collaborative and sustainable approach involving all stakeholders. As the demand for elephant tourism evolves and ethical considerations come to the forefront, finding a balance between conservation efforts and tourism activities remains crucial for the region’s economic and environmental well-being.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 27, 2025 7:13 pm