Himal Press 
ITAHARI: Koshi Chief Minister Kedar Karki is undertaking a walk through all settlements in the province affected by wild elephants.
Karki and his team arrived at Taltalaiya settlement in Itahari-3 on Sunday. His entourage entered the Taltalaiya wetlands from Fokling Island on Saturday night. The team began the walk from the elephant corridor at Bahundangi of Jhapa on February 21.
During his journey, Karki plans to reach all the settlements and forests in Jhapa, Ilam, Morang, and Sunsari along the corridor.
Sunsari’s Chief District Officer Jaya Narayan Acharya, Itahari Mayor Hemkarna Paudel, and leaders of different political parties welcomed Karki’s team on Sunday.
On the occasion, locals briefed Chief Minister Karki about the damage caused by wild elephants in Itahari Sub-metropolitan City, including Taltalaiya. Speaking at the event, Karki said he embarked on the walk to understand the problems of the people up close and find appropriate solutions. “It is a campaign to prevent the damage caused by the elephants, alleviate the suffering of the people, and also to save the elephants,” he added.
Karki also said that appropriate programs will be included in the upcoming budget, and special initiatives will be introduced for elephant-affected areas.
Chief Minister Karki will conclude his march at Belsot in Itahari. During the journey, he will interact with locals in different settlements along the elephant corridor.
