In an interaction on ´Importance of Bhotekoshi River in the Development of Tourism´ organized in the district, they expressed concerns over construction of dams, haphazard sand excavations and pollution, and demanded that the government declare Bhotekoshi River a protected area.[break]
They have stressed on the need to protect the Bhotekoshi, which flows between Nepal and China, and promote it for water sports including rafting and kayaking activities. Nanikaji Thapa, president of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), said four rivers including Bhotekoshi have high potentiality though the government has so far opened only 16 rivers for water tourism.
"We have to develop Bhotekoshi as a hub for water adventure with joint efforts from the government and private sector during the Nepal Tourism Year 2011," said Thapa.
Megh Ale, president of Bhotekoshi Protection Campaign, and a water tourism entrepreneur, stressed on the need to develop Bhotekoshi as a tourist destination as it can attract a lot of visitors creating income opportunities for the burgeoning number of Nepali youths. Mahendra Singh Thapa, vice-president of Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) cautioned all about the worsening pollution in the river due to open sewage and uncontrolled excavations in and around the river.
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