Gaindahawa Lake gets new look

By Our Correspondent,Butwal, OCT. 31: After its reconstruction, Gaindahawa Lake of Gaidahawa in Rupandehi district has now a new look.  

The lake located about 12 kilometres north of Lumbini is also listed as a world wetland area.  

The lake has been revitalised as part of a broader initiative to attract tourists visiting the Lumbini area.

The Nepali Army was assigned the responsibility of reconstructing the lake. 

They successfully carried out the reconstruction works and subsequently transferred its management to the Gaidahawa Lake Conservation Committee. 

Gaidahawa Lake holds significant importance in terms of its biological diversity, wetland preservation and its potential for tourism. Unfortunately, due to a lack of protection and maintenance for a long time, many sections of the lake got deteriorated over time.

Following the reconstruction, the lake has been transformed into a captivating tourist destination. 

Nepali Army’s Bhairahawa-based Shree Kali Bhakta Battalion collaborated with the President Chure-Madhes Conservation Development Committee and the Nepali Army Forest and Environment Directorate to undertake the conservation and restoration efforts for the lake.

In the fiscal year 2022/2023,  Rs. 15 million was allocated for the lake's reconstruction under the President Chure-Madhes Conservation Programme of the Government of Nepal.

 Several improvements have been made in the vicinity of the lake, including the construction of boat platforms, the deepening of the lake, widening of the pathways surrounding the lake and gravel works.

According to Surendra Paudel, Chairman of Gaidahawa Rural Municipality, the Gaidahawa lake is the largest lake in Rupandehi district. 

He also stated that the entire Gaidahawa Rural Municipality would benefit by attracting tourists from Lumbini to the area.

Spread in an area of 84 square metres, the lake has been equipped with railings, dedicated parking facilities for vehicles, and tarpaulins along the lake for added safety and convenience. Chairman Paudel stated that the municipality has already invested Rs. 20 million to beautify and preserve the lake.

As per the accounts of local residents, a wide array of bird species, including Siberian birds, visit the lake annually. 

The lake serves as a habitat for 50 diverse bird species, including Slender-billed Vulture, Griffon Vulture, and Himalayan Griffon, all of which are under protection within the area.

For the development of the lake, the Lumbini Provincial Government had also prepared a master plan and spent a budget of Rs. 40 million in the first year to work according to the master plan.