Sculptors have created figures of elephants, rhinos, birds, snakes, and even deities from roots discarded in the forest, in an effort to link forest conservation with eco-tourism.
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The Navjyoti Buffer Zone Community Forest, located in Bharatpur Metropolitan City–6 of Chitwan, has created artistic sculptures by collecting roots of trees discarded in the jungle. According to forest committee chair Ram Prasad Timilsina, these sculptures have been placed in a park built in the open area of the forest office premises.
The roots have been artistically shaped by sculptors Jang Bahadur Thapa Magar, Bikash Thapa Magar, Rakesh Shrestha, and Amrit Pun Magar.
Some of the roots feature elephants and rhinos, while others include figures of snakes, birds, and deities. “The purpose of creating these sculptures from roots discarded in the jungle is also to spark curiosity about wildlife among people who see them,” said chair Timilsina. He believes this will contribute to conservation efforts.
He said that in order to link the forest with ecotourism, they have made good use of otherwise wasted forest resources by creating and maintaining a “Root Park.” This community forest is located right beside the Gondrang–Chhitamai section of the Bharatpur Ring Road, about 10 kilometers south of the district headquarters, Bharatpur. The forest area is quite small, only 46 hectares. The community has been protecting this forest for 30 years, and it was registered in 2001 (2058 BS).
The forest has 800 household users. Because it is located in the Barandabhar area, the forest is highly sensitive. Barandabhar Forest is an important biological corridor connecting Chitwan National Park with the Chure and Mahabharat ranges. Chair Timilsina said that, considering the sensitivity of the forest, the idea of a “Root Park” was developed to promote ecotourism activities.
