Both the offices have been maintaining that the lake, which lies in the buffer zone of CNP near the government forest, does not fall under their jurisdiction.[break]
“Both CNP and DFO should take the lake as their common property and work jointly for its preservation,” Rampreet Yadav, former warden of CNP, said.
The lake adjoins Tikauli, Bandevi, Nawajyoti and Milijuli community forests.
Assistant District Forest Officer Bal Krishna Khanal accepted that the lake is in a sorry state because of the negligence of both the concerned offices. “The problem is that CNP feels the lake not under its jurisdiction, and our main concern is development of forests not the lake,” he added.
Three years ago, District Development Committee, Chitwan allocated Rs 2 million along with US$ 63,000 from donor agencies for the conservation of the lake. But the outcome of the investment was never to be seen.
After the authorities concerned refused to take the lake under their jurisdiction, locals had formed Bis Hajari Lake Conservation Committee to carry out conservation works. But the committee also is not doing anything.
“We had forwarded a proposal for joint conservation of the lake to CNP sometime ago, but CNP has not responded yet,” said Khanal.
Khanal said they were looking for funds to carry out conservation works at the lake. “We are in need of around Rs 20 million,” he added.
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Bis Hajari Lake in a sorry state
