KANCHANPUR: A total of 514.31 hectares of land in Shuklaphanta National Park has been reported as encroached. Of this, approximately 374.42 hectares have been taken over in the areas of Dhakka, Tarapur, and Lallare Danda.

Furthermore, around 139.89 hectares near Pillar No. 28 along the Nepal-India border have also been encroached, as per the park office’s report. Displaced individuals from the time of the reserve’s expansion are currently residing in these encroached regions.

Park Information Officer Purushottam Wagle revealed that there are 6 families living in Dhakka, 155 families in Tarapur, and 13 families in Lallare due to encroachment. He further explained that Indian nationals have encroached upon approximately 139.89 hectares of the reserve near Pillar No. 28, where they are actively cultivating the land.

Wagle emphasized that the settlements in the core area of the reserve have detrimental effects on wildlife habitats. “The displaced individuals from the reserve are residing in the core area, which poses challenges for wildlife habitats,” he stated.

“Those residing in these areas also lack access to even basic services. Consequently, both parties are impacted by the presence of settlements in the core area.”

Wagle pointed out that the encroachment in the core area has occurred due to the unresolved issues surrounding the displaced individuals from the reserve. He noted that despite the formation of 33 commissions to address this matter, the displacement issue remains unaddressed.

Additionally, encroachment has been reported in the reserve area between Pillars No. 28 and 27 along the Nepal-India border. The absence of sub-pillars between the main pillars has led to disputes over this area, said Information Officer Wagle.