Banke : Banke National Park has banned hiring of domesticated elephants for festivals and personal use. The Park follows the government outlawing the use of tamed elephants on rent for occasions and personal purpose across the country after amending the Act related to elephant management. “We have stopped leasing Park’s elephants after the government’s ban. They will be used only for tasks and activities of the Park and conservation area,” said chief conservation officer Yubaraj Regmi.

The Park would rent tamed elephants for use on various occasions like fair and festivals. The Park has four elephants at present and domestic tourists would be charged Rs 5,000 each for a ride of six hours. Likewise, the charge would be Rs 10,000 each for tourists of SAARC countries, and Rs 20,000 each for tourists of other foreign countries, said information officer Bishnu Thapaliya.