A feasibility study has been initiated to construct a lake in the floodplain area of ​​Kalanjar Hampal, a natural and religious tourist destination located on the border of Myagdi, Parbat, and Kaski.

A study has been initiated to construct a lake to attract tourists in the Jaljala area, which extends from Annapurna Rural Municipality of Myagdi, Jaljala Rural Municipality of Parbat, Modi Rural Municipality and Annapurna Rural Municipality of Kaski district. Jaljala Rural Municipality Vice-Chairman Deepak Acharya informed that a study has been initiated to develop the area, which is rich in open grasslands and hilly landforms at an altitude of 3,200 meters, as a religious and tourist destination in the long term.

In the current fiscal year, the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project Office Pokhara has allocated a budget of Rs 4 million for the feasibility study and  preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). To conduct a feasibility study, a team including Jaljala Rural Municipality Vice-Chairman Acharya, representatives of political parties and employees, led by the head of the office, Bidurman Shrestha, inspected the lake construction site on site last week. 

Vice President Acharya said that the team has directly observed the geographical features, feasibility, environmental impact, water resource availability and long-term impact of the proposed lake construction site. According to him, it appears suitable for lake construction and detailed discussions have also been held on water resource management and security measures. Shrestha, Chief of the Project Office, Pokhara, said that if the lake construction is completed, the Kalanjar-Hampal and Jaljala areas can become not only a religious site but also a major destination attracting domestic and foreign tourists.

From Hampal and Jaljala, one can observe the beautiful geography of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and other mountains and Myagdi, Parbat and Baglung. According to the culture and heritage expert of the Kaligandaki region, the Hindu scriptures Agni, Garuda, Kurma, Varaha, Skanda, Shivamaha, Padya, Brihannardiya, Linga, Matsya, Mahabharata and Shrimad Bhagavatam mention the context of Hampal and Kalanjar.

The watercourse located at the top of the hill has a channel. The Annapurna Himalayas are visible in the background of the channel. The watercourse is a place of biodiversity where herbs such as Bojo, Satuwa, Chiraito, Amili, Brahmi (Bholatapre), Pashanbhed, Jethimadhu, Padamachalnu, Niramasi, Jatamasi, Timur, Siltimmur are found. Herds of deer are found on the banks here. Birds such as Danfe, Munal, Kalij, Chyakhura, Vulture, Luiche, Hukechara, Dumsi, Latokosero can be observed.