Call to declare Bhotekoshi River a protected area
Tourism entrepreneurs have demanded the government to develop Bhotekoshi River a protected area and promote it as a destination for water-based tourism activities. Bhotekoshi is regarded as one of the best destinations for water excursions.
Speaking at an interaction on ´Importance of Bhotekoshi River in the Development of Tourism´ organized recently in Sindhupalchowk district, they expressed concerns over construction of dams, haphazard sand excavations and pollution, and demanded that the government declare Bhotekoshi River a protected area.
Mahendra Singh Thapa, vice-president of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), said the river was fast getting polluted due to open sewage and uncontrolled sand mining at different places along the river. "Rafting and kayaking activities in the river will be affected if the river is polluted and distorted," he added.
Nanikaji Thapa, president of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA), Bhotekoshi River holds immense prospects for rafting and kayaking activities."We have to develop Bhotekoshi as a hub for water adventure with joint efforts from the government and private sector during the Nepal Tourism Year 2011," Thapa added.
Similarly, Megh Ale, president of Bhotekoshi Protection Campaign and a water tourism entrepreneur, stressed on the need to develop Bhotekoshi as a tourist destination as it can attract a lot of visitors, creating income opportunities for locals.
