Kailali. Ampani Falls is located at the foot of chure hill, about seven kilometers north of Lamki Bazaar. The waterfall has become an attractive destination for domestic tourists in recent times. The waterfall within the Bargda community forest in Mohanyal rural municipality-7 has become a tourist’s favorite after it came into operation in a systematic manner.

The Aampani area was earlier known as a delightful place for the locals and residents of the surrounding districts to escape the heat. During the corona period, this area came into the limelight even more. Although the movement was limited during the Corona epidemic, the flow of domestic tourists was seen here. Dhwaj Bahadur Shahi, office secretary of Bargda Community Forest, said, “This place was popular for nature lovers in the past, but after the construction of the waterfall, the number of domestic tourists has increased further. ’

A budget of Rs 4 million was allocated for the construction of the infrastructure of the waterfall under the Tourism Promotion Program of the Far-Western State Government. Chief of the State Tourism Programme Implementation Unit, Double Bahadur Bohora, said that the waterfall has been constructed with the objective of developing eco-tourism by making sustainable management of the area even though it is in a peaceful environment near the highway.

Toilets and picnic spots were built here even before the construction of the waterfall, he said. “Earlier, we used to invest a little bit for the development of the waterfall, but now we have managed the waterfall by spending Rs 4 million. Now the community forest has faith in its development. Now it is necessary to conserve and utilize it,” said Unit Chief Bohora.

A construction committee was formed under the chairmanship of Kesh Bahadur Rawal, chairman of the community forest, for the construction of the waterfall in the river located in the community forest. Arrangements have been made to provide continuous water supply to the waterfalls by developing the infrastructure for bathing and picnic in the waterfall area as well as managing the rivers. Unit chief Bohara said that tanks, bathing places, garbage, changing rooms, toilets and walkways have been constructed to store the water of the waterfall. The community forest has been taking care of, protecting and managing the waterfall.

According to Shahi, more than 500 domestic tourists visit the waterfall area on Saturdays and public holidays. On other days, more than 100 tourists arrive daily. Shahi said tourists from Kailali, Bardiya, Surkhet and neighbouring India also visit here.

Although the number of tourists has increased after the construction of the waterfall, the problem has also increased, he said. “There was already a sanitation problem in the Aampani area. Tourists are increasing after the construction of the waterfall. Some tourists throw glass bottles, plastic bottles and other waste everywhere, which has added to the problem. We had also kept dustbins meant for dumping garbage and their use is also being neglected,” complained Secretary Shahi.

Now the community forest will organize the area and the ticket system will be implemented for waste management. “Soon, we will arrange tickets at a minimum fee after holding discussions with the concerned people including the rural municipality. It will also help in ensuring the safety and accountability of tourists as well as income,” shahi said.

It is expected that the income generated from the operation of the waterfall will go to the community forest fund, which will contribute to forest conservation, construction of new infrastructure and local employment generation. Locals say that The Aampani Waterfall has become a new hope for those looking for a short travel destination.