SATV 6 May, Kathmandu: Tourists can now experience boating at a newly constructed lake in Simbhanjyang, the highest point in Makwanpur district, at an elevation of 2,488 metres.

Developed under the initiative of the Karunabhumi Community Forest, the lake has been opened with boating facilities aimed at attracting visitors.

Located at 49 kilometres from Hetauda, Simbhanjyang has been identified as a suitable retreat to escape the heat for visitors from Hetauda, Kathmandu and nearby places. The boating facility also aims to encourage longer tourist stays.

Binod Lama, chairperson of the Karunabhumi Community Forest Users’ Committee in Thaha Municipality-4, said that the initiative began with the concept of creating ‘seven lakes’ to promote tourism and aid water recharge in the lower areas. The project has now shown tangible progress.

“Although we planned for seven lakes, we are now moving toward building three,” Lama said. He informed that one lake has been completed, another will be finished this fiscal year, and a third is planned for the next fiscal year.

He added that the area will be a favourable destination for domestic tourists from Hetauda and the Tarai-Madhes region during the summer, as the weather here is cool during summer as well.

On Friday afternoon, while Hetauda recorded a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, the temperature in Simbhanjyang was 16 degrees Celsius.

This fiscal year, boating services started with the support of around Rs. 150,000 from the Thaha Municipality Ward No. 4 office. The boat accommodates four people. Lama also shared future plans, saying, “We are preparing to introduce cycling facilities and single-person boats soon.” 

The Bagmati Province’s Water Resources and Irrigation Development Division Office has already spent Rs. 15 million on lake construction. Trout fish farming (assala machha) has also started in the lake, with breeding success, according to Lama. 

The lake, located near the Simbhanjyang bazaar, has been built using RCC concrete embankments. The lake spans an area of 100 metres. The Karunabhumi Community Forest initiated this project with the dual aim of making the pond eco-friendly and attracting tourists. 

Lama shared that efforts began over 12 years ago, but earlier attempts using wire mesh and mud-stone embankments were not sustainable. 

Concrete walls were later constructed for durability. 

Previously, a structure without cement or rods had been 

built with funding of Rs. 300,000 from Thaha Municipality and Rs. 750,000 from the Ministry of Local 

Development, but it was damaged by rain. 

With a natural spring located next to the under-construction lake, there is no scarcity of water, Lama assured. 

The lake has also seen good production of trout fish and there are plans to introduce fishing alongside 

boating. Lama expressed hope that tourists' stays in the region will now extend. 

He also mentioned that the number of visitors to Daman and Palung areas had recently declined, but boating at the new lake could make it a favoured destination once again.

Plans are also in place  to build walking trails, resting areas and beautify the surroundings of the lake.