Gulmi's youths to construct lake at Ridi

By Toplal Aryal

Resunga, Jan. 11: Local youths of Gulmi's Ruru area have started constructing a lake at Ridi by diverting the river's flow.

Eight local youths are working to construct a permanent lake with their own investment of Rs. 10 million. The youths plan to operate boating services from the upcoming Maghe Sankranti fair. 

As the lake is being developed by blocking the river stretch from Ridi Bridge to Tinmukhe Bridge, there is a temporary plan to operate two jet boats, each with a capacity of 11 people.

Businessman Rabi Lal Pantha, one of the investors in the project, said there are plans to build a permanent lake with an RCC dam next year.

According to Pantha, the lake will measure 400 metres in length, 60 metres in width, and four metres in depth in the initial phase. He added that an environmental impact assessment has already been conducted by Ruru Tal Ridi Adventure Pvt. Ltd.

Ruru Dham, located at the confluence of Gulmi, Palpa, and Syangja districts, is a well-known religious site. Religious tourists who come to bathe in the Kaligandaki River and visit the Krishikesh Temple fill the area daily.

Especially during Maghe Sankranti, a large number of pilgrims from different parts of the country, as well as from India, visit Ruru Dham. In recent years, the site has been promoted from both religious and tourism perspectives.

Rurukshetra connects the country’s main Kaligandaki and Madan Bhandari highways. Nepal’s first model three-arch bridge has been constructed at Ruru Dham, connecting Rurukshetra Rural Municipality–1, Ridi in Gulmi; Kaligandaki Rural Municipality–1 in Syangja; and Tansen Municipality–14 in Palpa.

Sundar Kasaju, a young businessman from Rurukshetra Rural Municipality–1, Ridi, said that infrastructure developments, including the two major highways, Ruru Dham, Tinmukhe Bridge, Krishikesh Temple, and Hanuman Garden, have boosted local enthusiasm and increased the number of foreign tourists.

Commercial activities in the area are also increasing. The Kaligandaki Corridor has connected Ruru Dham with Lumbini, Palpa, and Mustang, leading to the operation of standard hotels in the Ridi area.

As the Syangja region holds significant importance in terms of indigenous identity, art, and culture, there is considerable potential for economic growth through the operation of homestays as tourist numbers rise.

Yadu Gyawali, Chief of Rurukshetra Rural Municipality, said temporary structures are currently being constructed through private investment as legal procedures related to the lake are still unclear. He added that since the youths’ initiative will promote tourism through adventure sports, discussions will be held regarding permanent structures and legal matters.

An agreement has also been reached to build a zipline near Ruru Dham, connecting Rurukshetra Rural Municipality with Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja. Gyawali said preparatory work is underway on land acquisition and operational modalities.