Sutaiya Taal, located in Baijanath Municipality-3 of Banke, is rapidly becoming a popular destination for domestic tourists. Situated about six kilometers north of Kohalpur, along the Surkhet road and adjacent to the Ratna Highway, this picturesque lake is attracting visitors for picnics, wildlife observation, and the enjoyment of its lush surroundings.
Spanning approximately seven hectares, the lake has been preserved and enhanced by the local Deurali Community Forest User Group for the past decade. Former chairman Mahendra Tharu noted the increasing interest from domestic tourists in recent times. “Nestled in the heart of Banke National Park, this lake is not only naturally beautiful but also significant for wildlife observation,” he stated. “Since we began protecting the lake, various animals have started to visit, including leopards, deer, and wild boars, which have drawn many visitors.”
Tharu also mentioned that while there are ample opportunities for tourism-related activities that could increase revenue, a lack of funding has hindered their implementation.
Prakash Bahadur Shahi, the chairman of Baijanath Municipality, emphasized their serious commitment to developing the lake as a major tourist attraction. He mentioned that although they allocate some budget each year for this purpose, it remains insufficient. The municipality is planning to construct a dam around the lake for its protection and believes that further infrastructure development will require assistance from both provincial and federal governments.
“If we can successfully protect the lake and develop the necessary tourism infrastructure, it could become a source of internal revenue. However, without financial resources, we have not been able to make significant investments. Support from provincial and federal governments would greatly facilitate this process, and we will advocate for it,” Chairman Shahi concluded.
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