Shanischare Lake to be returned to its original state

By Bom Lal Giri,Nawalpur, Nov.20: Shanischare Lake, located in the Divya Community Forest in the buffer zone of Devchuli Municipality, Nawalpur, is being restored to its original form. 

Netra Bahadur Pandey, chairperson of Siswar Consumers' Committee, informed that the restoration work is being carried out jointly by Siswar Consumers’ Committee and the Gandaki Provincial Government.

According to Pandey, efforts to conserve and expand the lake have been underway for six years with the provincial government's support. To facilitate the restoration process, a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared under the guidance of the Ministry of Tourism of Gandaki Province.

Before 1993, the lake was known as Hatti Dubaune Tal (Elephant sinking lake). However, that year, floods from the Narayani River and the Baulaha Stream gradually altered its size and shape. Over time, the lake became covered with invasive species like water hyacinths, transforming it into a wetland disrupting its role as a water source for wildlife in the western sector of Chitwan National Park (Nawalpur region). This prompted local stakeholders to initiate conservation efforts to restore the lake and promote eco-tourism.

Currently, the lake spans over seven bighas of land, it is projected to expand to 31 bighas once restoration is completed, according to the DPR. The scenic beauty of the lake, breathtaking sunsets, rhinos playing in the water and birds like Siberian cranes, peacocks and Sarus cranes, enhance its ecological and tourism significance.

The restoration plan includes constructing two residential watchtowers, a temple, a museum and a park around the lake. Pandey said that the Gandaki Provincial Government has listed Shanischare Lake as a tourism destination and has already allocated Rs. 7 million for its conservation, with an additional Rs. 4 million allocated for the current fiscal year.

The Gandaki Provincial Government allocated Rs. 4 million for the conservation and expansion of the lake in the fiscal year 2022/2023. In the last fiscal year Rs. 1.5 million was allocated and Rs. 4 million has been allocated for the current fiscal year as well.

The federal government also showed interest in the lake, allocating Rs. 2 million during the tenure of the late Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari. The reconstruction of the lake, which is being advanced as a phased project by the provincial government, is estimated to cost around Rs. 70 million.

Subash Ojha, chairperson of the Divya Community Forest, highlighted that the restoration not only aids conservation but also boosts local livelihoods. Five small ponds buried by floods have been merged into the lake, enabling the community forest to begin fish farming, with 35,000 fish fry released into the lake.

Ojha stressed the importance of the project in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, noting that it would help mitigate human-wildlife conflict. “The reconstruction of this lake will significantly contribute to conservation and eco-tourism, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the local community,” he added.

Jeep safaris have been operating in the Divya Community Forest for the past five years and the lake's restoration is expected to further promote tourism and enhance local incomes. 

Conservationist DR Kshetri pointed out the potential for paragliding from Devchuli Hill, with a landing site on the lake's eastern grassland, as identified in the DPR.

The reconstruction of Shanischare Lake has generated enthusiasm among locals, conservationists and tourism entrepreneurs, as it promises to revitalise eco-tourism and conservation efforts in the area. Located about two kilometres south of Keureni Chowk along the East-West Highway, the project is anticipated to benefit the region.