Signature campaign launched to preserve beauty of Kanti Lake

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, July 28: A signature collection campaign has been launched to protect the natural beauty of the Kanti Lake, located in Puraini, Ward Nos. 21 and 22 of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Banke.

Dr. Binod Karna, coordinator of Green Nepalgunj and Clean Nepalgunj, said the campaign was started to raise pressure for the preservation, management and cleanliness of Kanti Lake, which, like other natural lakes and ponds in Nepalgunj, has been neglected.

The campaign began a few days ago and will continue for a few more days. So far, around 400 people have signed the petition, Dr. Karna said.

He added that the collected signatures will be submitted to the District Administration Office, Banke and Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City to demand the lake's protection and its development as a wetland area.

“The railings around the lake are broken, and recently, it has also become a spot for alcohol consumption. These issues are threatening the lake’s beauty,” said Dr. Karna.

The lake, which is home to various bird species, is gradually being recognised as a wetland area. Hemant Raj Kafle, an environmental activist from Banke, expressed hope that the concerned authorities would pay attention to the lake’s conservation following the campaign. He said that if the beauty of Kanti Lake is enhanced, it could become a major attraction for tourists.

“There are many bird species living there, which draws the attention of visitors. If proper conservation is ensured, the lake could attract a large number of tourists,” Kafle added.

The natural lake, which spread across about 25 bighas (around 17 hectares), was previously fenced with brick walls and railings by the Sub-Metropolitan City. A seven-metre-wide asphalt road, a 1.5-metre footpath and a two-metre parking area were also built around it.

However, because of a lack of maintenance, the wall has begun to fall apart, bricks are being stolen, and the area has become a dumping site and a hangout spot for drinking alcohol.

Chairperson of Ward No. 21, Rajkumar Sahu Teli, stressed the need for urgent protection of Kanti Lake, stating that structures around the lake are being damaged.

He also mentioned that, due to theft of electrical infrastructure, there is currently no lighting at night and emphasized the importance of conserving this natural and historic lake in Nepalgunj.

Bird experts have also noted that Kanti Lake is a breeding site for the rare sarus crane, a globally endangered bird.