JITPUR, KAPILVASTU: The Jagadish­pur Tal, which figures on the list of major wetlands of the world, is gradually developing into a tourism attraction. Jagadishpur Tal is located at Kapilvastu-9, some 11 km north of Taulihawa, the headquarters of Kapilvastu district in central Nepal.

 

This lake has become a new des­tination for the tourists visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, which is also in Kapilvastu. Although there is no exact data on their number, foreign visitors com­ing to Lumbini these days have been regularly visiting the Jagadishpur Tal for sight-seeing.

 

The many species of birds that inhabit the Jagadishpur wetland area are the primary source of attraction for visitors. Most foreign tourists to Jagadishpur Lake are from Britain and Australia.

 

“One can see the water birds that have migrated from Siberia and Tibet, and inhabit, breed and hatch in this area during the winter. The indigenous birds join them, which is really very enjoyable to see,” says senior ornithologist Hem Sagar Baral. According to Baral, migratory birds from as far as Siberia, China, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan come to this wetland area. A total 22,491 water birds were counted in the Jaga­dishpur wetland this year, according to Baral.

 

“Although birds are having prob­lems with their habitat and feeding due to climate change effects, Jaga­dishpur wetland still offers a good environment for them. It’s a big lake and the birds can freely roam and play around in and around the lake,” says Baral, while underlining the need to protect the wetland area. RSS