Visitors to Rani Lake decline

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, June 10:The number of visitors has decreased at the historic 200-year-old Rani Lake due to a lack of preservation. Located east of Tribhuvan Chowk in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City-8, this lake was one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Nepalgunj. 

Surendra Gupta, the ex-chairperson of ward no. 8, remarked that the cessation of boating activities on the lake and the notable decline in visitors is disheartening. Rani Lake is in a dilapidated state, and it lacks promotion as well, so the flow of tourists has decreased. 

Witnessing the deteriorating state of the lake, once a pride of the city and a cherished gem has been saddening. Previously bustling with Nepali and Indian tourists, especially in the summer season, the lake now seems bereft of its former vibrancy, said Gupta

Despite investing in the beautification of the lake, lake water has become filthy and the lake needs timely renovation to restore its beauty.  The playing items kept in the pond premises for children have also been damaged, and the flower garden is covered with grasses due to the lack of proper care, said Javed Rai, a local. 

The lake was closed during the pandemic, although it came into operation for almost two years. The water in the lake should be cleaned to restore the beauty of the lake.

After corona, the lake could not return to its old form as it became dilapidated said Kamruddin Rai, Deputy Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City. Rai said that there is a plan to renovate the pond and restore the beauty of the pond.