Angling competition fair in Seti, Karnali

By Dil Bahadur Singh, Dipayal (Doti), March 26: Several stretches of the Seti River and the Karnali River in Doti district now draw large numbers of foreign visitors.

Riverbanks that usually remain quiet and host only residents now welcome international guests, bringing fresh energy and colour to the area.

Along the calm and steadily flowing waters of the Seti and the Karnali, Nepali and international anglers hold rods and lines as they concentrate on the craft of fishing.

Bogatan Fudsil Rural Municipality in Doti organised the ‘Seti–Karnali International Mahaseer Angling Competition’, an international-level fishing event that has increased the presence of foreign tourists along the rivers.

For the first time in Nepal, organisers have brought together 25 participants from eight countries, including Nepal.

The event coordinator, Devraj Jaishi, said the organisers have launched the competition to present the region’s water tourism potential in a new way.

The competition started on March 22 and goes on till April 1.

The competition highlights a ‘catch and release’ system.

 Participants catch fish and return them to the river.

This practice promotes environmental protection and biodiversity conservation alongside sport.

Organisers expect the event to strengthen efforts to protect the Mahseer species found in the Seti and Karnali River.

Officials have divided competitors into four groups.

Participants stated the presence of professional anglers from several countries has helped to promote the region’s natural beauty and introduce it as a new destination for water-based tourism.

Anglers from Nepal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and India have joined the competition.

Organisers will award Rs. 25,000 in cash and an attractive fish-shaped shield to the competitor who catches the longest fish.

The Nepal Tourism Board has provided promotional support.

The Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Sudurpashchim Province, several local governments in Sudurpashchim, Karnali and Lumbini provinces, and private sector partners have worked together for the event.

 Mohanyal Rural Municipality in Kailali, Thakurbaba Municipality in Bardiya and Chaukune Rural Municipality in Surkhet have served as co-organisers.

Kamala Bahadur Gadisil, Chair of Bogatan Rural Municipality in Doti, said that the competition aims not only to hold a sporting contest but also to present the region’s potential to the world.

The Seti–Karnali river system runs across approximately 65 kilometres of Bogatan Fudsil Rural Municipality.

Through water tourism, the municipality seeks to deliver a new message of opportunity.

The competition has created a foundation for placing Doti and surrounding areas on the international tourism map.

The event signals a clear move towards establishing Sudurpashchim as a leading destination for water tourism.

Organisers presented, if this edition succeeds, authorities will seek formal recognition to host regular international angling competitions on the Seti and Karnali rivers.

The programme will conclude with a Seti–Karnali River journey that will reach Bardiya district.