Surkhet's Bulbule Lake to get a facelift

BY LALIT BASEL,Surkhet, July 17: The renowned Bulbule Lake, one of Karnali Province's most visited tourist attractions, is undergoing a major renovation to restore and enhance its appeal. Birendranagar Municipality has launched the project after the lake’s main spring began deteriorating due to issues like water leakage and structural damage.

The lake, named after the bubbling spring water that naturally surfaces from underground, has been drained to begin restoration. The base of the spring is now being filled with sand and stones to ensure clean and sustained water flow. Additionally, traditional stone spouts (dhungedhara) brought from Kathmandu have been installed on the southern and eastern sides of the lake to enhance its aesthetic and cultural value.

According to Nawaraj Gurung, coordinator of the municipality’s infrastructure committee, the restoration is being carried out in the lake’s original shape but with improved design and durability. “We're giving Bulbule a new look while preserving its original essence,” he said.

The municipality is funding the project from its budget, allocating a total of Rs. 4.25 million. Engineer Yagya Bahadur Karki said that a construction contract worth Rs. 2.71 million has been signed with Prasanna Nirman Sewa, a Surkhet-based construction company. The project is expected to be completed by mid-October, with most of the major work, such as draining the spring, plastering, and installing stone spouts, currently underway.

As part of its conservation efforts, the municipality has decided to prohibit activities such as bathing and washing clothes in the lake, which have previously degraded its beauty. “Once the renovation is complete, such activities will be strictly banned to preserve the lake’s environment,” Gurung said. The move is also expected to enhance the lake's appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

In parallel, another small pond, Kamal Lake, is under construction just below the main lake. Spearheaded by the Land and Watershed Management Office with support from the Karnali Provincial Government, the new pond is designed as a natural habitat for birds, ducks, and lotus flowers. According to the office chief, Shikhar Chapai, around 60 per cent of the construction work has been completed.

Though the project’s initial estimated cost was Rs. 11.2 million, it was contracted to Praveen Nirman Sewa for Rs. 7 million. The pond, which will have a perimeter of approximately 230 metres, is also expected to be completed by October. Once the Kamal Lake is finished, the Bulbule Garden will feature three interconnected ponds.