Poaching persists in Shuklaphanta, threatening wildlife conservation efforts

Kanchanpur: Incidents of poaching and illegal extraction of forest products have been increasing in the Baijanath Community Forest User Group area located in Phuleli, Shuklaphanta Municipality-8.

According to Bahadur Singh Mahara, chairman of the community forest, some individuals and groups have been exploiting the current political instability to hunt wildlife using homemade weapons, loaded guns, and dogs. They have also been breaking forest boundary fences, collecting forest products such as grass, firewood, and sedges without permits, and engaging in unauthorized grazing within the forest area.

“Fishing with poisonous chemicals and electric equipment in the rivers inside the forest has severely affected wildlife and aquatic life,” Mahara said. “CCTV cameras, solar lights, and other surveillance tools installed to control poaching have also been vandalized.”

He added that vehicles have been entering the forest both day and night for wildlife poaching and illegal extraction of sand and red soil. Mahara warned, “We have issued a public notice and appealed to concerned authorities and locals to stop these illegal activities. If they continue, we will be compelled to take action under the Forest Act, 2076 BS, and the group’s statute.”

Community forest officials have requested the Division Forest Office, local administration, and police to take strong measures to curb poaching and the illegal collection of forest products.