Local Efforts Drive Conservation and Tourism Push at 'Pyara' Lake in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur. The 'Pyara' Lake, situated in Ward No. 8 and Ward No. 9 of Punarbas Municipality, which shares a border with Kailali district, is significant from natural, biological, and tourism perspectives.

This lake, rich in natural beauty, tranquil environment, and biodiversity, holds immense potential for tourism promotion. Dipendra Basnet, Chairman of the Pyara Lake Tourism Promotion and Conservation Committee, informed that they have embarked on a lake conservation campaign since Ashad 26, 2080, with the objective of initiating conservation efforts at the citizen level, as the lake has been overlooked due to its distance from the reach of relevant government bodies.

He stated that the campaign began on Ashad 26, 2080, with the aim of focusing the attention of stakeholders on lake conservation through tourism promotion, considering the endangered status of aquatic life due to human activity and various other factors.

Following the launch of the campaign, initial financial support was spontaneously gathered from the local citizens. With the collected funds, statues of various rare aquatic creatures—otter, yellow-roofed turtle, 'Jalkapur' fish, musk deer, and crocodile—have been constructed in the lake premises. Furthermore, Chairman Basnet mentioned that preparations are underway to install statues of the peacock, 'Simkhukura' (a type of pheasant), and the national bird Danphe by New Year.

For the conservation and promotion of the lake, a tender was called for Rs 11 million in the fiscal year 2081/82, comprising Rs 9 million from the Federal Government and Rs 2 million from Punarbas Municipality. Through the tender process managed by Punarbas Municipality, the contract was finalized at Rs 7,349,656 (including VAT and PS), and the construction of a 115-meter long embankment has been completed. Alongside the embankment, a convention hall equipped with modern facilities has been constructed.

In the current fiscal year 2082/83, blocks have been laid in the lake premises with a financial contribution of Rs 500,000 from Punarbas Municipality. Concrete structures inscribed with 'Moon Selfie Point' and 'I Love Pyara Lake' are being built to attract the younger generation. In the previous fiscal year, the municipality's budget was used to upgrade the 550-meter gravel road leading from the main road to Pyara Lake with water pitching.

Committee Chairman Basnet informed that a budget of Rs 10 lakh has been allocated by the Sudurpashchim Province Government in the current fiscal year for the construction of a footpath in the Pyara Lake premises, which has already been deposited into the account of Punarbas Municipality.

Characteristics of the Lake

The perennial reservoir lake has a length of six kilometers, an average width of 70 meters, and a depth of 15 to 18 feet. The lake is home to the 'Otter' (a carnivorous mammal), considered rare globally, the yellow-roofed turtle, rare in South Asia, crocodiles, 'Jalkapur' fish, and over 35 species of fish.

Additionally, this lake serves as a habitat for numerous other aquatic and amphibian species requiring conservation that have not yet been researched.

Tourism Significance

This lake, abundant in natural beauty, tranquil environment, and biodiversity, holds great potential for tourism promotion. In recent years, various structures have been built to attract tourists. Attractive statues of rare aquatic creatures like the 'Otter', the yellow-roofed turtle, crocodiles, fish, and musk deer have already been constructed in the lake premises.

Concrete structures inscribed with 'Moon Selfie Point' and 'I Love Pyara Lake' are under construction to attract the younger generation. With the support of Punarbas Municipality, preparations are also underway to place two boats for safari rides for visiting tourists. A foundation is being constructed for a water fountain.

The lake is surrounded by lush green forests on all sides. Various species of birds, aquatic life, and wildlife make this area picturesque. As various migratory birds arrive here, especially during the winter season, this location is also considered important for bird watching.

Spontaneous Support from Citizens

Local citizens are spontaneously providing support for the tourism promotion of the lake area. Twenty-five concrete benches and trigards are available in the lake premises, provided by locals for seating. Dustbins have been arranged in various places for waste management. Attractive statues of various animals have been constructed through the investment of the Punarbas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bhageshwar Sugar and Chemical Industries, and the personal investment of Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly member Diwansingh Bista.

Moreover, some locals have provided financial assistance for the construction of statues of some birds and animals in memory of their deceased family members. It is reported that some are still under construction.

Increasing Inflow of Domestic Tourists

With the conservation and development of the lake as a tourist destination, the arrival of domestic tourists has been increasing in recent years. The number of tourists visiting during various festivals and holidays is noted to have increased significantly.

Although this Pyara Lake, located about 75 kilometers southeast of the district headquarters and about 30 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital Dhangadhi, has been overlooked due to a lack of publicity, conservation, and promotion, it is currently in the process of developing into a tourist destination over the past two years.

The Pyara Lake Tourism Promotion and Conservation Committee expects that if efforts are made for the conservation and promotion of the biologically significant Pyara Lake, its publicity, and the construction of structures attractive to domestic tourists, it can be developed as a major tourist site in Sudurpashchim.

Local experts from the area state that if the state does not pay timely attention to the conservation and promotion of the lake, which borders the neighboring country India, it could negatively impact the lake's conservation.