By Shaligram Nepal
Chitwan, Dec. 29: A botanical park is going to be constructed in Patihani, in Ward No. 22 of Bharatpur Metripolitan City, with the support of the federal government.
Patihani is located nearby Chitwan National Park (CNP). The ward’s chairman Bishnu Mahato informed that the federal government is providing Rs. 250 million for the project.

“The park’s proposal file has reached the federal government and is in final stages of approval. It’s foundation stone will be laid within a month,” said Mahato.
Mahato informed that the project was a need as tourists had been complaining about lack of new infrastructures in the CNP.
“Construction of the botanical park will provide something new and will be an attractive destination for visitors,” said Mahato.

The park is planned to be constructed in around 7.53 acres of land (4.5 bigha), which is on the bank of the Rapti River.
The park will consist of an entertainment area and a boating facility alongside a garden and an environment for research on different flora.
Mahato informed that other than Sauraha, different areas across Chitwan were developing into tourism destinations and Patihani was one of them.

Two years ago, ‘umbrella street’ was constructed with an investment of Rs. 20 million under the leadership of Mahato. During public holidays, over 1,000 individuals visit the street.
“These days Chitwan is not only known for wildlife. Various tourism and entertainment centres have been constructed here and tourists love it,” said Kashiram Bhandari, chairman of Gandaki Province Tourism Board.
Local government has also constructed Chhitamai Chhatri Bridge in the ward to promote Tharu culture. Batuli Pond is also a famous destination.

“A visitor needs a day to visit the destinations in the ward alone. If one plans to visit all the tourism destinations in Bharatpur Metropolis, s/he will need six days. Additional tourism destinations are also being added,” said Renu Dahal, mayor of Bharatpur.