CHITWAN: Water has been released from the Khageri canal to address water shortages affecting wildlife in Chitwan National Park and the Barandabhar corridor area as temperatures continue to rise during the summer season.

According to the Chief of Narayani Lift and Khageri Irrigation Project, Kul Prasad Chalise, water has been supplied along a nine-kilometer canal stretch from Tikauli to Devanagar and to more than 12 ponds inside the park and surrounding corridor areas.

Officials said the initiative aims to ensure a regular water supply for wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, spotted deer, bears, and birds, whose natural water sources dry up during summer.

Authorities also noted that the shortage of water often forces wild animals to enter nearby human settlements. The canal was reopened after repair works were completed.