Kathmandu, Nov. 22 -- Chetraj Ghimire, a farmer from Phungling Municipality-8 in Taplejung, grows various crops and fruits-oranges, litchis, corn. But every year, they fall prey to wild boars, monkeys and langurs. This year was no different. Ghimire said that in hopes of compensation, they invited Mayor Amir Maden, Deputy Mayor Bhima Devi Ojha, and Ward Chairperson Kshitij Sunuwar to inspect the damage. "Even the officials from the division forest and agriculture office came," Ghimire said. "But there was nothing they could do."

Frustrated, Ghimire submitted an application for compensation to the Division Forest Office, along with police and ward reports, and also the proof of land ownership. "My entire crops were ruined," Ghimire told t...