Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's statement a few days ago that 'tiger cannot be raised by feeding people' seemed immature. Such an expression of a person in a responsible position of the country has weakened Nepal's contribution to tiger conservation.

Having signed and committed to international agreements such as 'Sitis' and 'Global Tiger Recovery Programme', Nepal is committed to biodiversity conservation. Expressing this kind of opinion can convey the message that Nepal has given low priority in the field of biological conservation, which can have a negative impact on Nepal's international image. The tiger is a species that plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance. If the tiger goes extinct, the overgrowth of prey animals will lead to vegetation destruction and agriculture, which may have a negative impact on human life itself.

Tigers are also a major tourist attraction in Nepal. Tourists who come to see tigers bring great economic benefits to Nepal. Neglecting tiger conservation can have a major impact not only on the ecological balance, but also on tourism and the local economy associated with it. Instead, effective measures should be adopted to resolve human-wildlife conflict. Efforts like construction of wildlife corridors, compensation schemes for victims' families and public awareness programs can reduce human-wildlife conflict. Although the protection of human life is important, the protection of endangered species like tigers needs to be prioritized. Nepal can strengthen its international image only with a balanced view of biodiversity conservation and human welfare.

– Jayaram Chapagai , Nagarjuna-5, Sitapaila, Kathmandu