SATV, Kathmandu, Aug. 15 - Preparations are underway to develop tourism infrastructure on 83 bighas of land that had remained unused for years in Thakurbaba, a tourist area of Bardiya.
Thakurbaba Municipality has proposed constructing a multipurpose lake, park, picnic spot and other facilities on the land to encourage tourists to stay longer and attract more visitors.
The land, located in Bargada of Thakurbaba Municipality-4, had remained unused for a long time. The municipality said the land had also been encroached upon by locals. It was acquired by the government under the land reform programme after falling under the landholding ceiling and subsequently remained unregistered in any individual’s name.
According to the municipality, the land has been brought under the ownership of the Nepal government following prolonged efforts.
Mayor Tilak Ram Lamsal said the process of acquiring the land for municipal use had now moved forward.
He said the municipality had been making efforts for the past three years to bring the land under its ownership. As the land has now been registered in the name of the Nepal government, the municipality has started the process of obtaining it on lease.
“The file has been returned for a decision to be made on the lease. We are preparing to make the decision again and send it back,” he said.
The municipality said it would begin developing tourism infrastructure after acquiring the land. Of the 83 bighas, around 48 bighas will be used to construct a multipurpose lake. Parks, picnic areas and other tourism facilities will be developed on the remaining land, according to the municipality.
Municipality deputy mayor Bina Kumari Bhattarai said the infrastructure was being developed with the objective of creating an environment where tourists visiting Thakurbaba could stay for an additional day.
“The goal is to create another tourist destination, promote tourism activities and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities from there,” she said.
The municipality said the lake, park and other recreational facilities would be developed targeting tourists visiting Bardiya National Park. As the national park’s entrance is located in the western part of the municipality, plans have been made to attract visitors to the eastern part as well.
The municipality said it was also collaborating with the World Food Organisation for the development of tourism infrastructure.
According to Mayor Lamsal, the organisation has proposed spending around Rs. 1 billion to develop tourism infrastructure in the area. However, he said the proposal had yet to reach the implementation stage.
The municipality expects that developing a new destination in the eastern area targeting tourists visiting the national park would have a positive impact on the local economy.
