KATHMANDU, June 17: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has said that the government has prioritized the reduction of human–wildlife conflict, with special programmes and budget provisions introduced to support affected communities.
Responding to questions raised during the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026 in the House of Representatives on expenditure headings related to her ministry, Minister Chaudhary said the government remains committed to reducing damage caused by wildlife and providing support to affected families.
She stated that relief is being provided in accordance with the Wildlife Damage Relief Guidelines, 2023 for losses caused by 16 species of wildlife, including elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, bears, leopards, snow leopards, gharials, pythons, monkeys, wild boars, and blue bulls, covering damage to human life, livestock, and crops.
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She further informed that for the first time, a separate budget sub-heading titled “Human–Wildlife Coexistence” has been introduced in the upcoming fiscal year. Under this heading, Rs 411.1 million has been allocated for programmes related to human–wildlife conflict management.
According to her, programmes will be implemented to improve wildlife habitats within forests and national parks, enhance food availability for animals, promote alternative farming systems, and support ecotourism to improve the livelihoods of local communities.
Minister Chaudhary said that a task force formed to address issues caused by tigers and leopards has already submitted its report, which will be reviewed and implemented gradually based on its recommendations.
She added that a separate committee formed to study human–wildlife conflict management has also submitted its report, and necessary decisions and implementation measures will follow.
Highlighting problems caused by elephants in the eastern region of the country, the minister said the government is taking the issue seriously and will move toward long-term solutions based on suggestions from local governments, provincial authorities, federal agencies, and stakeholders.
