By Rajkumar Bhattarai,Khotang, Oct. 27: Kangsahop Lake, built in Kharmi Bhangedar of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-11, Khotang, by locals through volunteer labour is emerging as a popular tourist destination. The number of visitors coming to enjoy boating, sightseeing and exploring the area is increasing.
Constructed by locals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kangsahop Lake has also increased water sources in the lower region of Bhangedar. Twenty-two households from Bhangedar joined donations and volunteered their labour to build the lake in February-March 2020.
The lake spans around 6.5 ropanis. Since boat rides were introduced, the lake has been drawing in domestic tourists. Similarly, fish farming was also started in the lake in 2022.
This man-made lake began offering wooden boat rides on August 2, 2020. Since then, boating has drawn crowds to the lake. However, Secretary of the Lake Development Committee, Dipak Kumar Tamang, said that the absence of additional improvements around the lake has impacted the number of visitors lately.
Locals from Bhangedar constructed the lake with plans to recharge groundwater, collect water for irrigation during dry seasons, do fish farming and promote domestic tourism. The reservoir was completed with an investment of around Rs. 800,000.
The ward office contributed Rs. 250,000 to the project during the fiscal year 2020/21. Tamang believed that if government bodies took further interest, Kangsahop Lake could become a prominent tourist attraction.
The nearby scenic spots, such as Ramitedanda and Ramitedhunga, are also popular for excursions. Located about a two-hour drive from Diktel, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the edge of the lake. Educational tour groups frequently visit the lake, and the fallow land nearby in Kharmi also has the potential to attract tourists.
In the Tamang language, ‘Kangsa’ refers to the clay used for making traditional pots, while ‘hop’ means a hollow or pit. The lake is named Kangsahop because clay used for making traditional items is found in the hollow area, said Tamang.
Since the construction of the lake, new water sources have appeared in the lower areas, as the lake acts as a recharge pond. Even during dry spells, water is now available in lower springs.
Since the lake’s construction, new water sources have emerged in the lower region, with the lake serving as a recharge pond. Even in dry periods, water is accessible to lower springs. The introduction of new water sources in the Khapte region of Dharedhunga has led to an increase in agricultural yields.
Chairperson of the Lake Development Committee, Bir Bahadur Shrestha, said that the lake has enriched the area, helping Bhangedar become lush with greener. There are plans to expand the lake, though no additional funds have been received from other sources yet for local development efforts.
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