Local bodies compete to build ziplines

By Our Correspondent,Tamghas, Jan. 5: A wave of zipline construction has swept across Gulmi district as local governments have accorded priority to zipline projects over other development initiatives.

Chhatrakot Rural Municipality inaugurated a newly constructed zipline recently. The local body said that the facility will attract both domestic and international tourists. The 1,080-metre-long zipline stretches from the premises of Devalaya Temple to Devi Bhagawati Temple in Ward No. 3 of Chhatrakot.

Built at a cost of Rs. 8.67 million, the project was funded jointly by Lumbini Province and the Chhatrakot Rural Municipality. Chairperson of Chhatrakot, Ram Prasad Pandey, expressed confidence that the zipline's unique treat of panoramic views of the Himalayas, hills, and the Tarai plains would draw significant numbers of domestic tourists.

Similarly, Resunga Municipality is advancing its own zipline project. 

According to IT Officer of the local body, Suresh Khanal, the proposed 400-metre zipline will start from Garjura's water tank and land within a park. With an estimated cost of Rs. 15 million, 75 per cent of it is being financed through Lumbini Province Chief Minister’s Innovation Partnership Programme while the rest 25 per cent investment will be made from the budget of Resunga Municipality. 

Meanwhile, Rurukshetra Rural Municipality is in a phase to complete detailed project report (DPR) for a zipline connecting Gulmi and Syangja districts. Chairperson of Rurukshetra, Yadu Gyawali said that the zipline has a potential to enhance the overall development of Rurukshetra, which is both a religious and tourist destination.