Human–elephant conflict escalating, urgent action needed: MP Indira Rana
Highlighting a recent incident in Mechinagar–4 of Jhapa, where local resident Padma Paudel lost her life in an elephant attack, she said such incidents have left communities living in fear.
KATHMANDU: Indira Rana Magar has called on the government to urgently design and implement an effective project to mitigate the growing human–elephant conflict in Nepal, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly severe.
Speaking during Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, Rana said that while human–elephant conflict is not a new issue, its intensity has worsened in recent times, causing rising loss of lives, destruction of crops, and damage to homes and livestock.
Highlighting a recent incident in Mechinagar–4 of Jhapa, where local resident Padma Paudel lost her life in an elephant attack, she said such incidents have left communities living in fear.
Rana, addressing the government through the Speaker, recalled that earlier efforts included plans for an early warning system between Nepal and India, but said implementation has been weak and ineffective.
“The problem has become increasingly serious. Local residents are now accusing us in Parliament of only speaking without delivering results. The government must take this issue seriously,” she said.
She further urged authorities to coordinate with relevant agencies and develop long-term, practical solutions to reduce recurring human–wildlife conflict, which continues to threaten rural livelihoods across affected regions.
