How to create a conservation plan for Rara?
On my first visit in 2068, I reached Mugu. Engaged in debates in Gamgadhi, I climbed Rara with the conflict mediators. On my second visit in 2074, the summit of Rara looked like a snow peak. On my third visit in 2076, accompanied by a team of communication workers, I reached the summit. My fourth visit was during the Rara Summit in 2080.
Every visit brings a new experience. Despite the beauty of Rara, there is an awareness of its environmental significance. The amount of cold is reducing, and the temperature is increasing. The impact of global warming, which is spreading worldwide, has also reached here. This sequence continues, and the essence of Rara’s water is at risk. The snow on the mountain is decreasing. Snow and the Himalayas are the sources of water. Water is the foundation of life. It is essential to pay special attention to this aspect.
Physically, there are significant changes in Mugu. The dangerous Talcha road has been improved. The road level to Limi has been upgraded. New hotels have been added in Surkhe, and there have been improvements in the roads leading to Surkhe. There used to be only one hotel in Rara, which was the best. Now, a new hotel has been built about one kilometer from the lake, at a higher altitude, from where you can see the complete Rara Lake and the sunrise. There is a growing interest in Rara, and leaders are also concerned to a great extent. But this concern and debate should not be limited to Rara alone. It should be raised in national debates.
The options for transportation to Rara Lake are available up to a certain point by car, up to another point by bicycle, and up to a certain distance on foot. As for the arrangement of accommodations, it depends on the proximity of hotels to the lake and the measures taken for pollution control and conservation, even if there are four hundred soldiers stationed daily in Rara.
There are various types of forests and vegetation around the lake that wild animals inhabit. These animals, including deer, can be seen grazing around the lake and horses. What effect does this have on the ecosystem?
This is an immediate problem. In addition, it is essential to address the long-term issue of preserving the lake’s pristine nature for at least a hundred years beyond 2035, as demanded by the citizens’ children. The state must collaborate to provide answers to every question and take action accordingly. How many wildlife species are there, and what are they? Why are birds singing melodious songs in the jungle, and how dense is the forest?
Cars are not allowed to travel within the vicinity, but is there any possibility of a small pedestrian route that meets the public’s demands? What security measures and strategies can be implemented in such circumstances? How can coordination be achieved between the forest department, the military, representatives, and leadership? In reality, a master plan will be essential for Rara.
When I reached the challenging question
The second day’s final session was still pending. If there was a sign of sesame water, it was overshadowed by the scorching sun, making it challenging to capture videos. Suresh Chandra Rijal and Kavya Lamsal, the technical experts, received a signal to shorten the session. Both speakers had exceptional knowledge of spirituality, yoga, and meditation. Mr. Rijal was an architect, while Mr. Lamsal was an art instructor at the Art of Living.
In this context, Jyanarayan Shah appeared on stage in Chitikka Kot, a small city of opportunities. Although he led the summit, he was an old journalist himself. He announced that this session would be held along with Navaraj Dai.
The discussion on sesame water also began with the session. Jyanarayan Shah started the rain of questions with the topic of water. There are many literary figures, but why haven’t they explicitly written about Rara? Why couldn’t poet Mavivi Shah create a statement higher than the beauty of Rara or an apsara? What did they write before this? Karnali is considered the mother of the Nepali language, so why is Karnali’s language being ignored today? Why is there neglect towards Dullu, Sinja, and Achham, the epitomes of the Nepali language in the stone inscriptions?
How much is the fault of the writers for not being able to demonstrate the importance of language to political leadership? You have been a prominent national and international radio voice for a decade. How much contribution have you made to the development of literature? That’s how Jyanarayan Shah asked his questions. He remained in conversation, partially drenched by water. Even though the audience was drenched for a long time, they listened attentively. Each of these questions can be a separate book.
When I reached the first part of the poem I wrote, the second time I reached a song, and after reaching the third time, when I briefly discussed the social situation of Karnali, I emerged from the challenging question. Now, what should I write? Even after the session is over, he won’t let me go. Let’s laugh and say this article answers that, Jyanarayan Ji.
When I returned
The first time I went to Rara, I only managed to reach Sadarmukam, the gateway to Ghamghadi. This time, I got the opportunity to reach Ghamghadi again, but I had to return as soon as I reached Rara. Returning with the same group: Suresh Chandra, Sunil Kumar Ullak, and me. Devendra Raval facilitated this. We reached Ghamghadi. There was a sweet coincidence. We got the opportunity to interact with people from all social communities and professions.
The enthusiasm of journalists, the activities of schools, and the buzz of the public were notable. The temples like Kalika and Malika, the beautiful Chaayaa Nath temple, and the unmatched religious faith of the people were mentioned. Former Mayor Hari Jung, Shah of the Municipality, said that the water source is excellent, but the management is lacking. His indication was the Gagri line, which was laid for the water supply in Sadarmukam. The construction and maintenance of that temple and the improvement of the road leading to Ghamghadi are also credited to him. He is very modest and gentle.
As Kālidāsa wrote, “On the first day of Āṣāḍha! Yes, the first day of Āṣāḍha 2080 was very delightful for me. I had a great time with my siblings from the nearby school, playing, singing songs, and reciting poems. They even came to play football with me and took pictures together. There was a long conversation with the local elders and journalists in the evening. The sweet dumplings, flatbread, yogurt, and buttermilk I had were not tasteful. Wow! It takes a lot of effort to get a tourist’s attention.
It was time to return. The atmosphere was relaxed when we climbed up the winding road, even though it was scorching hot outside. In that moment, when Rara was placed in the heart, the feeling of coming back and getting wet while understanding the session was terrific. When the plane of Summit Airlines took off from the runway between the two hills, I said to myself,
In the realm of dreams, let stars ignite,
Their shimmering glow, may it ever alight.
Bamboos in Murmāṭ, blossoming fair,
Mugus arrive; let them grace the air.
Within the heart’s chamber, a treasure abounds,
Love’s nectar awaits in passion’s surrounds
Let souls partake, indulge in its delight,
As stars above shower their radiant light.
Together we’ll rest amidst life’s grand scheme,
Conquer challenges as if in a dream.
Step by step, ascending life’s staircase,
Guided by stars, we’ll find our rightful place.
Rivers in motion, their dance brings delight,
Flowers’ hues blend, painting nature’s delight.
Here dwell the true, breaking cultural strife,
Unveiling unity, embracing each life.
No worldly possessions, let your heart be free,
Pour forth love’s essence unreservedly.
May stars continue to grace our skyline,
Bamboos bloom, Mugus arrive, let them shine.
Dr. Lamsal is a poet and a media professional. He received the Madan Puraskar in 2078 BS for his epic poem “Agni.” He has published eight books, including “Agni.”
