BANKE: Once used primarily for irrigation, Kanti Lake in the heart of Nepalgunj has evolved into a haven for birds, both native and migratory.
Surrounded by blooming lotus flowers, this scenic man-made lake now serves as a vital habitat and breeding ground for various bird species, attracting avian visitors from across the globe.
According to experts, Kanti Lake holds high ecological value and could be developed into a dedicated bird park or birdwatching site.
Recognized for its biodiversity, the lake is considered an ideal location for ornithological studies. However, recent attempts to introduce motorboats into the lake met with strong resistance from conservationists, local residents, and rights activists.
Following public opposition, the plan was scrapped, and today a stranded wooden boat sits idle on the lake’s edge, unused and unattended.
Conservationists emphasize the lake’s importance in maintaining ecological balance and supporting endangered species, particularly storks.
Kanti Lake, along with the Rapti River banks and Mankhol area in Banke, forms one of the most important stork habitats in western Nepal. Among these, Kanti Lake is considered the most favorable.
Spanning 25 bighas across Wards 22 and 23 of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, the lake provides a year-round habitat for rare resident birds, while also serving as a seasonal refuge for migratory species escaping extreme weather in countries such as Indonesia, northern China, Thailand, Siberia, and Malaysia.
According to Ashish Chaudhary, president of Friends for Wildlife Conservation, Kanti Lake is the only wetland of its kind in the vicinity of Nepalgunj.
“This lake offers a natural sanctuary not only for birds and animals but also for nature enthusiasts,” Chaudhary said. “Because of years of protection, migratory birds return here annually.”
He further noted that plans to run motorboats to promote tourism posed a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem. Conservationists filed a petition to halt the project and advocated instead for developing the site as a bird park—a proposal that is now gaining support.
“Operating motorboats would disrupt the environment and drive the birds away,” Chaudhary warned. “Even in Pokhara’s Fewa Lake, only wooden boats are allowed. There’s no justification for motorboats in a small lake like Kanti.”
Chaudhary also raised concerns about increasing threats to bird species due to encroachment on natural wetlands. “Out of the nine bird species protected by the Nepal government, six are found in the Terai, with five of them seen in Banke,” he said. “If Kanti Lake is compromised, the survival of these species is at serious risk.”
A recent bird count, jointly conducted by the Bird Conservation Society and the Nepal Ornithologists’ Association, identified 32 species at Kanti Lake—including both resident and migratory birds.
The number has risen steadily, from 25 species two years ago to 32 this year, indicating the lake’s growing significance as a biodiversity hotspot.
Mayor Prashant Bista of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City confirmed that the lake is officially recognized as a wetland.
“Although it may not look like a traditional wetland, Kanti Lake serves as an important habitat for both local and migratory birds,” he said. Fish farming has been ongoing in the lake for many years, and past governments had also attempted to promote it as a tourist attraction, though those efforts have yet to materialize.
During the winter, up to 153 species of birds can be seen at the lake, while 62 species are observed in the summer. According to officials, three of the stork species listed on the government’s protected list are regularly spotted here.
Conservationists argue that rather than introducing harmful tourism practices, Kanti Lake should be developed into a biodiversity park, botanical garden, or dedicated bird park—offering ticketed access as a sustainable source of revenue.
“The lake must be preserved not just for wildlife, but for future generations,” said Chaudhary. “Nepalgunj also serves as a transit point for Indian pilgrims heading to Mansarovar. This lake could be developed as a tourist destination for them as well. We must look beyond motorboats and focus on eco-friendly tourism.”
Comment