Koshi Province govt prepares DPR for Barju Lake conservation

By Shashidhar Parajuli,Biratnagar, Dec. 27: The Koshi Province Investment Authority has completed a detailed study on the conservation of Barju Lake in Sunsari, a major bird sanctuary, and its development as a tourist hub. The authority is preparing to implement the project by finalising a Detailed Project Report (DPR) that includes plans for conservation and construction of structures around the lake.

The provincial government has prioritised its conservation and development recognising the lake's natural and historical significance, viewing it as a potential tourist destination for Koshi Province. The DPR focuses on preserving the natural state of the lake without altering its eastern and western landscapes. Efforts will be focused on enhancing greenery, conserving water and aquatic life and safeguarding biodiversity. 

The authority has said that no concrete structures will be built within the lake's protected area. Instead, buffer zones will be created, with additional structures constructed on private land outside the designated buffer zones.

Dr. Saroj Koirala, Chief Executive Officer of the Provincial Investment Authority, explained that the DPR also includes plans to develop open zoos and cultural villages around the lake’s periphery. The report specifies that no noise-generating hotels, restaurants or other establishments will be constructed near the lake to avoid disturbing birds and wildlife. Existing concrete structures near the lake will also be removed under the proposed plan.

Dr. Koirala said, “The proposal aims to preserve the lake’s natural form while organising and protecting it. Measures to control noise pollution have been included and the project will align with Koshi Tappu Wetland.” The proposed project entails an estimated investment of Rs. 4.8 billion. Dr. Koirala revealed that the government plans to showcase the project at the upcoming provincial investment conference and finalise agreements.

A three-member committee has already been formed to draft an operational plan for the lake. This includes a representative recommended by the Barju Rural Municipality, a member nominated by the Barju Lake Development Committee and the CEO of the Provincial Investment Authority as the coordinator. 

The committee will review federal laws, analyse financial proposals submitted by interested organisations, consult with experts and decide the operational modality. A consultancy will also be appointed to conduct further studies. The committee will decide the duration and amount of royalty exemptions for the investing company. Dr. Koirala said, “We aim to complete these tasks before the investment conference.”

The project faced delays due to government restructuring, but Dr. Koirala assured that there would be no further postponements. A Lalitpur-based firm had proposed the project to the provincial government. The previous administration under Chief Minister Kedar Karki had already approved the service procurement.

Meanwhile, representatives of major political parties in Barju submitted a memorandum to the Barju Rural Municipality on Monday, expressing concerns about not being included in the DPR review process. They demanded clarity on whether the project benefits the community.

The memorandum was submitted by representatives of the  Barju Lake Wetland Development and Conservation Committee, led by Ashok Chaudhary of Nepali Congress, Binod Chaudhary of CPN-UML, Dipendra Mehta of CPN (Maoist Centre) and Dinesh Mehta of the Janata Samajbadi Party.

Dipendra Mehta expressed concerns that the DPR was prepared without involving locals and accused the government of catering to specific contractors or vested interest groups. He said that the project would be supported only if it serves the local community’s interests.