DANG: Ten settlements located within the core and buffer zone area of Banke National Park in Babai Rural Municipality of Dang have been recommended for relocation.
The recommendation was made by Babai Rural Municipality Chair Kul Bahadur Khatri, who recently urged authorities to shift the settlements in wards 1 and 7 to safer locations outside the national park area.
According to Chair Khatri, the settlements of Kiureni, Banchare, Batule, Gauje, Jeela, Simalkuna, Dandagau, Kaptane, Jaljala and Malai should be relocated to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
He said human settlements had existed in the area for more than 50 years before the declaration of Banke National Park. However, as the area now falls within the park’s buffer zone, residents have been facing significant hardships.
Khatri stated that relocation is necessary to ensure the safety of lives and property of affected residents, guarantee their access to basic state services and facilities, and at the same time preserve the integrity of the park’s buffer zone.
Frustrated locals had earlier even decided to boycott the upcoming House of Representatives election. Due to growing resentment among residents, no candidates have reportedly visited the area to seek votes this time.
In previous elections, most candidates used to reach the settlements for campaigning. The area lacks proper road connectivity and reliable telephone services. Residents also face frequent crop damage by wild animals but are restricted from taking action due to conservation laws.
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