Residents of Kawasoti, Nawalpur, have come together to preserve Taruwa Lake, which has been overrun with water hyacinths and weeds, threatening its very existence. Shalikram Sapkota, Chairperson of the Lake Conservation and Irrigation Water Users Committee, highlighted the urgent need for cleanup efforts to save the lake.
“This lake is one of the district’s most important water bodies, but it has been facing a crisis due to lack of maintenance,” said Sapkota. “We have launched a cleanup campaign with the active participation of the local community.” Daily efforts are underway to remove water hyacinths from the lake, with significant progress made in clearing the water. However, the surrounding areas still require cleanup with the help of machinery.
Santosh Rana, President of the Nawalpur Hotel Association and a resident, emphasized the lake’s tourism potential. “If we can develop a sustainable conservation plan, Taruwa Lake could become a major tourist attraction in the district,” he said. “Given its proximity to the market and abundant water resources, a long-term conservation plan could also boost economic development.”
Historically, Taruwa Lake has been integral to the establishment of Kawasoti Bazaar. In the early days of settlement in Wards 2, 3, and 8, the lake was the primary source of water for drinking, livestock, and construction purposes.
The lake spans approximately 3.52 hectares and is surrounded by lush greenery, the nearby Narmadeshwor Mahadev Temple, and a connected monastery, all of which hold significant tourism potential. Developing these areas in an integrated manner could transform the region into a beautiful tourist destination, according to Rana.
However, the lake’s management is complicated by jurisdictional issues, as it spans two wards. Several committees have been formed to address the lake’s conservation, but a lack of coordinated planning has posed additional challenges. Residents agree that a unified approach is necessary for the lake’s effective preservation.
