CHITWAN: Chitwan National Park has introduced a special security strategy for the festive season, mobilizing more than 1,200 personnel, including park staff and Nepali Army personnel deployed to protect the park.
According to park information officer Abinash Thapa Magar, security has been tightened in anticipation of increased movement of unfamiliar people during the festival period.
“Thirty-five surveillance cameras have been installed in sensitive areas to strengthen security,” Magar said. He added that camping and ambush operations would be conducted in areas vulnerable to poaching.
In addition to regular patrols, security personnel will conduct sweeping operations and patrol on bicycles, motorcycles, boats, vehicles and elephants, Magar said. During the Chhath festival period, increased vigilance is necessary as local communities living near the park may be occupied with celebrations, potentially creating opportunities for poachers.
Link patrolling is also being conducted in sensitive areas. Security measures have been extended to the Chure region, where there is also a risk of poaching.
The park currently has 57 permanent security posts and three temporary posts. Authorities plan to strengthen operations at these posts and work with local communities to protect the park.
Trained sniffer dogs will be deployed to inspect suspicious locations. Security has also been stepped up in settlements within the park area in coordination with other security agencies, as required.
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