Kaluram Bote, a 56-year-old man, has an important job in February in Chitwan, Nepal. He leaves on his boat early in the morning to search the Rapti River for gharial eggs. Kaluram has spent more than 20 years assisting the recovery of the gharial population, an endangered species of reptile. Following hatching, he brings the young gharials to a breeding facility, where they receive medical attention until they recover sufficiently to be released back into the river.
Though there has been an increase in gharials in recent years, Kaluram and other Bote workers who support this effort are uncertain about their future. They are from the Bote village and have long been reliant on fishing as their main source of income. However, fishing is restricted due to laws meant to save the gharials. Although they have requested to continue fishing as before, the changes have made it difficult for them to support themselves. The jobs they’ve been offered, like being gharial keepers, don’t pay well and are only temporary.
Kaluram lives in one of the 115 houses along the Rapti River. His family, like others in the Bote community, has always relied on fishing. But when Chitwan National Park was created, many families lost their homes and fishing areas. Now, they can only fish in certain parts of the river. For years, these communities have survived by fishing and using the forest for food and resources. But now, because of the restrictions and lack of other jobs, families are encouraging their children to work in other countries for better opportunities.
Also Read:https://whatthenepal.com/2024/03/06/island-peak-a-sagarmatha-national-park-adventure/