CHITWAN: Chitwan National Park (CNP) has started the construction and maintenance of ponds within its area to support wildlife during the dry season.
Ponds are built and repaired every year during the summer to ensure adequate water sources for animals.
According to Abinash Thapa Magar, information officer of the park, ponds are constructed to provide water for wildlife, create habitats for aquatic species, and irrigate grasslands. He said that three new ponds are being constructed and four existing ponds are being renovated this year.
“This year, we are prioritizing the construction and maintenance of ponds based on wildlife habitats,” he said.
Magar said there are 56 ponds and lakes within the park. While it is not possible to maintain all of them at once, those located in important wildlife habitats are being prioritized for construction and renovation.
The park is home to various wildlife species, including the endangered Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, leopard, bear and elephant.
Ponds are being constructed to ensure wildlife have access to water during the scorching summer heat. The initiative is also expected to help prevent animals from entering nearby communities in search of water.
Meanwhile, controlled burning has also begun in the park for grassland management across an area of 9,526.3 hectares.
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