Shelter construction underway to promote conservation and tourism in Gwalabari community forest
Kanchanpur: Gwalabari Community Forest, located in Krishnapur Municipality-2 of Kanchanpur, has recently been emerging as a center for forest conservation and tourism promotion. With forest conservation as a priority, various infrastructure development and beautification works are being carried out to encourage domestic tourism.
The premises of the Community Forest office and the natural lakes within the forest have been adorned with colorful flags, further enhancing the scenic beauty of the lush green forest and the lakes.
According to Community Forest Chairman Gopal Bharati, an area of about 3,600 meters has been decorated with flags. To facilitate visitors coming to observe the forest and lakes, benches and small thatched-roof shelters have been constructed. He said that there are plans to build 20 shelters around Trikeshwor Mahadev Lake and 10 shelters around Jharana Lake.
Chairman Bharati informed that 11 shelters have been completed so far and 20 benches have been installed, while another 30 benches are under construction. Preparations are also underway to operate boats in both lakes within the community forest. He stated that two boats are planned for each lake and requests have already been submitted, which will allow tourists to enjoy boating amid nature.
In addition, preparations are being made to install swings in the community forest targeting children, youth and adults. Chairman Bharati said that coordination is being carried out with various organizations for the purchase of swings, adding that there is a plan to install three swings in collaboration with Lumbini Development Bank.
A roundhouse has been constructed within the Community Forest office premises, and work on building an entrance gate is in progress. Chairman Bharati also informed that construction of a picnic spot has begun, with the target of completing it by the month of Magh.
Vice Chairman of the Community Forest, Prakash Nath Yogi, said that forest conservation activities are being carried out alongside tourism promotion. According to him, nurseries of various plant species have been established within the forest. A bamboo nursery has already been set up and seedlings planted, while nurseries of Vijayasal and Raktachandan are currently under construction.
The community forest has also launched programs aimed at linking forest users with income-generating activities. For this purpose, equipment for making sal pots and Vijayasal pots has been purchased, which is expected to increase the income of local users while supporting forest conservation.
The Community Forest Committee stated that it aims to develop Gwalabari Community Forest into a domestic tourism destination by simultaneously promoting forest conservation and tourism activities.