Kalopani Pond revived after conservation efforts

Phidim, Nov. 8: Kalopani Pond in Yangwarak Rural Municipality of Panchthar, which had been facing the threat of extinction due to prolonged drought, has been revived following conservation efforts. Water has started accumulating in the pond after a plastic lining was laid at its bottom to prevent seepage. With water now being retained, the pond is gradually regaining its former appearance, raising hopes of improved local biodiversity and increased tourism.

The pond, which has no permanent natural water source, had gradually dried up due to declining rainfall and snowfall. Climate change and irregular precipitation had reduced moisture in its catchment area, leaving the pond unable to retain water. Earlier efforts to conserve it by bringing water from an external source through pipes had also failed to keep water in the pond. As the water continued to seep away, the authorities decided to deepen the pond and install a plastic lining at its bottom.

Yangwarak Rural Municipality spent Rs. 1 million in the last fiscal year on the conservation work.