Api Nampa: Pristine trekking route in Darchula

DARCHULA, April 4: Locals of Api Nampa area in Darchula district seems are glad that their wait is gradually coming true. Numbers of tourists visiting the area have been steadily growing despite the earthquake followed by disturbing Indian economic blockade.

Eleven tourists have visited this area so far in the last eight months, while all together 9 tourists had visited the area in last year, informed Raju Ghimire, assistant conservation officer at Api Nampa Conservation Area (ANCA). Ghimire expressed optimism that the numbers would grow till the end of year.

"We should take it as a good sign that number of tourists is growing. People are happy about it," Ghimire said. "The number is going to grow for sure, as tourists who have been here, have loved it," he added.

ANCA was formed six years ago with an aim to tap tourism prospects of the area. It covers 21 VDCs of the district. The conservation area however was embroiled in controversy in the aftermath of its formation due to political tug of war for membership in its interim committee. This had deprived locals of the facilities they were entitled to from the government as residents of a conserved area. With the newly elected management committee for the preservation area, locals now look forward for better prospects in the days ahead.

The new committee has taken initiatives for the conservation of the area, for securing livelihood of the locals through development projects and for providing better facilities to tourists. "Earlier we lacked an elected body to take these initiatives. Stakeholders were upset. But, with the new committee in place, we are in position to use the budget allocated for the conservation and development of the area. As part of this, we have set afoot several important projects," informed Chakra Singh Hyanki, president of the committee.

He informed that 50 percent of the income the conservation area makes can be used for the welfare of the locals and the area. However, it was not used so far in lack of an elected body for managing it. "But now, we have been able to implement various projects. Development of this particular area will play vital role in the development of the entire district," Hyanki said.

The conservation area has allocated budget for organizing skill oriented trainings for locals and for the development of tourism. The region is considered very rich in water resource, herbs and wildlife as well. Latinath temple, Tapowan Tatopani and Markandya cave, among other temples are also quite famous in the region. Likewise, several lakes found here can draw high number of tourists once they are well advertised, Hyanki said. "The possibilities have not been exploited well. Many measures need to be taken to fully utilize the resources we have," he remarked. "Trekking routes are being developed and home stay services will be also opened soon," he said.

Ghimire informed that though the newly elected committee is boosting the development of the area, it is yet to appoint 67 staff member as part of the government quota allocated to ANCA. "The committee has been elected, that's a major achievement. But now it has to appoint staff members to bring ANCA into full operation," he said. He added that residences for new staff members are under construction. "Construction of residential buildings for ANCA staff members are about to complete," he informed.

Elaborating on the tourism activities in the area, Ghimire said that eight houses have been providing home stay service in Khar village and added more villagers would be getting the opportunity in the days ahead.

Ghimire stated that the government had sanctioned budget of Rs 2.5 million for ANCA in the first phase and informed that it has been spent for necessary reconstruction of temples, plantation, forest management, water resource conservation, construction of toilets and so on, in the conservation area.

Pushkar Karki, member of the elected committee informed that the committee is taking special measures to preserve rare herbs found in the region. "This area is very precious in several terms. One of these is the availability of rare herbs, which the committee is committed to preserve," he said.

With the growth in the number of tourists, locals are feeling need of tourist guides. Hotel entrepreneur Surendra Pal stressed that in lack of guides, tourists find it difficult to stay in or visit the area. "If we could advertise the hotels here and avail professional tourist guides, the tourists would love to stay here more than they do presently. We need to do that," he said.