Concern for the continued existence of the lake is rife as the water level has been decreasing even after the monsoon rains. Maipokhari, which is rich in biodiversity, has been included in the World Heritage List. [break]
"Maipokhari is popular because of its natural beauty and the abundance of bio-diversity, but if these qualities keep fading away at this rapid pace, the lake will certainly lose its identity in the near future," said a local, Kamal Mukhiya.
"We had rain during the whole of April but somehow there was no change in the water level of the lake," added Mukhiya.
Based on the readings of a metereological device installed near the lake, there was 24mm of rain in the 24 hours of Wednesday but no significant change was found in the water level at Maipokhari.
Another local, Kiran Sunwar, said that the main reason behind the decline of the water level is a mystery for all. However, Sunwar blamed the rampant excavation and quarrying in the lake area.
"There are vulnerable areas near the lake and people are using excavators and digging out resources from the ground without caring about the negative impact. This is the main reason why the water level in the lake has not risen all these years," said Sunwar. "Ongoing rapid deforestation at the northern side of the lake is the other major reason," added Sunwar.
Other locals informed that the level of ground water is also decreasing gradually.
According to yet another local, Raj Bahadur Rai, the water level in the lake has decreased by around eight feet in the last four years. "Today we can clearly see in broad daylight the mud and pebbles on the bottom of the lake," said Rai. "It is surprising that the authorities are unconcerned about the situation," he added.
Meanwhile, Ilam District Forest Office chief Rajendra Kafle said that they have been trying their best to restore things back of normal. "We are searching for an alternative source of water for the lake and all our experts have been deployed to save the lake at any cost," said Kafle.
Maipokhari, located at an altitude of 2,121meters above sea level, was included in the World Heritage List on October 28, 2008 during a grand function at Chanbang, South Korea.
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