In a significant move towards eco-tourism and community development, the forest user groups in Pokhara have expanded their focus beyond forest conservation to other income-generating activities. This shift comes with the establishment of the new Manakamana Park, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
Located in Pokhara Metropolitan City-21, the Manakamana Community Forest Group has developed the Manakamana Park with an investment of NPR 2.6 million. The project was funded by NPR 1.5 million from the Gandaki Province Ministry of Forests, Environment, and Soil Conservation, through the Division Forest Office Kaski, along with NPR 165,774 in community labor contributions.
Kamala Bhujel, the chairperson of the Forest User Group, mentioned that an additional NPR 500,000 from the Division Forest Office was utilized for land leveling, while Pokhara-21 allocated NPR 400,000 for essential infrastructure such as trust buildings and toilets.
Manakamana Park offers a panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Kumari Himal, Machhapuchhre, and the Pokhara Valley, making it a prime location for tourists seeking natural beauty. The park is designed to accommodate 700 visitors and includes amenities such as iron pole fencing for security, Dhupi sapling plantations for greenery, and iron benches for seating. Plans are also in place to erect the national flag and further enhance the park’s greenery.
A concrete road has been constructed to provide easy access to the park from the tourist hub of Chhorepatan in Pokhara Metropolitan City-17. Additional facilities such as drinking water and toilets have been developed to cater to visitors’ needs. The park charges an entrance fee of NPR 3,500 per group, of which NPR 500 is allocated for cleaning, and the remaining NPR 3,000 is deposited into the forest group’s account for maintenance and development.
The Gandaki Province government has allocated an additional NPR 1.5 million for further physical infrastructure development in the fiscal year 2081/82. Previously, the forest group had successfully operated the Vanpale Park, developed for NPR 1 million. The 47.4-hectare forest area, handed over in 2068 BS, comprises 114 households working towards forest conservation and sustainable income generation.
To enhance the environmental appeal of the newly constructed Manakamana Park, cherry, Ashoka, and gulmohar saplings have been planted. Deepak Subedi, the ward chair of Pokhara Metropolitan City-21, emphasized the importance of protecting these plants. The plantation program saw active participation from members of the Lions Club of Pokhara Annapurna, the community forest user group, and residents.
The development of Manakamana Park is a significant step towards promoting eco-tourism and community welfare in Pokhara. By integrating environmental conservation with tourism, the community forest user groups are setting a precedent for sustainable development. This initiative not only provides a serene recreational space for locals and tourists but also generates income to support further conservation efforts and infrastructure development.
