New 'Vanstay' Opens in Siraha to Promote Tourism and Local Livelihoods

Siraha. The 'Hattidaha Vanstay' has been brought into operation in the Hattidaha area of Lahan Municipality-15 with the objective of promoting tourism. Based on a concept similar to a 'Homestay,' the Vanstay aims to provide tourists with an opportunity to experience the local art and culture amidst a natural environment.

Previously, the Koiralo Khola Model Forest Consumer Group had been developing the Hattidaha wetland area within the community forest as a tourist destination. The 'Vanstay' has been established and launched within this area. The construction of the Vanstay was supported by the conservation project, implemented in partnership with CARE Nepal, the Federation of Community Forestry Users, Nepal (FECOFUN), and the National Farmers' Group Federation, with financial assistance from Jersey Overseas Aid.

"We have launched the Vanstay with the objective of connecting locals to income generation through tourism while conserving the forest and wetland areas," said Rudranarayan Chaudhary, Chairman of the Consumer Group. According to him, the Vanstay, which started services with a two-room guest house in the first phase, has developed attractive spots including a training hall, picnic spot, boating facility on the lake, an amusement park for children, a small zoo, and selfie points.

Chairman Chaudhary expressed confidence that tourists wishing to stay in the peaceful and scenic natural environment of this area will experience special joy by residing here after the construction of the Vanstay. He added that the lush green forest, wetland area, and clean environment are expected to attract more tourists.

It is reported that the project spent NPR 806,088 and the consumer group spent NPR 367,295 on the construction of the Vanstay. Inaugurating the Vanstay, Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary informed that an additional budget of NPR 2 million will be allocated from the municipality to construct two more two-room buildings.