Gulmi hills adorned with rhododendron blooms

By Toplal Aryal,Resunga (Gulmi), Mar. 22: Forests and hillsides across Gulmi district have turned red with blooming rhododendrons (locally called laliguras), attracting large numbers of visitors.

However, increasing incidents of people plucking flowers, taking photos carelessly and breaking branches have prompted the local government to issue an appeal for their protection.

Resunga Municipality has urged the public to help preserve the natural beauty of the Resunga area, which holds religious and tourist significance.

He warned that such activities are degrading the area’s natural beauty and could disturb environmental balance. The municipality has requested all citizens and tourists to refrain from such actions, stressing that it is everyone’s responsibility to protect Resunga’s religious, historical and tourism value.

Acting Forest Officer of the Division Forest Office, Gulmi, Dayaram Paudel, said plans are underway to include rhododendron conservation programmes from next year.

He said conservation and expansion efforts will be carried out with local participation, particularly in areas such as Resunga, Madane and Thaple Satyawati, where rhododendrons are abundant.

He added that since these are protected forest areas, damaging rhododendrons or other trees is punishable by law.

Rhododendrons are valued not only for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties. Saroj KC of Sirseni, Madane Rural Municipality-3, said red rhododendron flowers are rich in nutrients and are still used in villages for medicinal purposes. They are commonly given to relieve sore throats or when something is stuck in the throat.