Kathmandu: Nepal is set to establish its first-ever Tiger Sanctuary in Chitwan National Park to provide a natural habitat for rescued and “problematic” tigers while promoting eco-tourism and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

The proposed sanctuary will be developed on around 52 hectares of land at Devnagar in Chitwan and is expected to accommodate 18 to 20 tigers, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Sanctuary to House Rescued and Problematic Tigers

Officials said the sanctuary will provide a larger and more natural enclosure for rescued tigers and those that cannot be released back into the wild due to age, injuries or repeated conflict with humans.

Currently, many such tigers are kept in small rescue enclosures at different locations across Nepal.

Eco-Tourism and Conservation

The Nepali government has allocated NPR 30 million for the project in the 2026–27 fiscal year. The sanctuary will be developed by expanding the existing wildlife rescue centre at Devnagar.

Visitors will be able to observe tigers from elevated viewing platforms, observation towers and specially designed enclosed safari vehicles travelling through designated routes, while the animals roam freely within secure enclosures.

Addressing Human-Tiger Conflict

Nepal’s tiger population has increased from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022, reflecting the country’s successful conservation efforts. However, the rise in tiger numbers has also led to an increase in human-tiger conflicts, particularly involving older, injured or displaced tigers entering villages in search of food.

Officials said the sanctuary is intended to improve public safety while ensuring better care and welfare for rescued tigers.

Construction is still in the planning stage, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) expected soon. Once work begins, the project is estimated to take two to three years to complete.