May 27: The provincial government of Karnali has allocated Rs 3 million for the conservation of Gurans Rural Municipality of Dailekh, renowned for its rhododendron forests. As this area falls on the way to Rara, many tourists visiting the scenic lake in Mugu district as well as pilgrims on their way to Mansarovar visit this place for recreation. That is the reason why the provincial government has kept this place in priority and allocated budget.

“The provincial government plans to develop this area as a tourist destination,” said Dharma Raj Regmi, a member of the provincial assembly of Karnali.

He said that the government has given special attention for the conservation of the rhododendron forests as it would contribute in the development of the region through tourism.

The chief of the rural municipality Khemraj Wali said that the local government intends to build a park to attract both domestic as well as international tourists.

“Conservation of the forests will contribute in developing tourism in this area,” he added.

It is said that this particular forest is a home to five of the 32 species of rhododendrons found in Nepal. The local authorities of Dailekh and Surkhet have pressed for including the issue of conservation of forests in school syllabus.