Kathmandu: Several lakes inside Shuklaphanta National Park are drying up and being choked by invasive plants, raising concerns over the future of the park’s wetlands and wildlife.
Park authorities say climate change, coupled with the rapid spread of water hyacinth and other vegetation, has led to the degradation of major lakes, including Rani, Sikhar, Baba, Kali, Tara, and Salgaudi. These water bodies are vital sources of water for wildlife inside the park.
“We only have a capital budget of Rs 3.4 million, which must also cover the construction of tourism paths and other infrastructure,” said Purushottam Wagle, the park’s information officer. “This makes it very challenging to continue effective conservation work.”
Alongside its natural lakes, Shuklaphanta has 40 artificial ponds, which also provide water for animals. The park is renowned for its biodiversity and attracts both domestic and international visitors.
Wagle stressed the need for greater budgetary support to conserve the wetland ecosystem, warning that insufficient funding could put wildlife and the park’s ecological balance at risk.
