Popular tourist lake in nepal draws cross-border visitors but faces legal threats and environmental concerns

A scenic 84-acre artificial lake in Nepal’s Sarlahi district has become an unexpected tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from both Nepal and neighboring India since opening in 2021. Bagmati Lake, locally known as Bharat Taal after the municipal mayor who commissioned it, sits alongside the Bagmati River and offers boat rides, horseback riding, and recreational activities that have drawn comparisons to exotic vacation destinations.

The lake’s popularity has grown through social media, with influencers promoting it as a local alternative to international travel destinations. Tourists pay modest fees—around $2 for boat rides—making it accessible to visitors from across the economic spectrum. The attraction has provided economic benefits to the local community while also serving environmental functions like groundwater recharge and supporting local biodiversity.

However, the lake’s future remains uncertain due to mounting challenges. Legal disputes over its construction and operation have created jurisdictional confusion, while environmental safeguards and waste management systems remain inadequate for the growing number of visitors. The lack of proper long-term planning for biodiversity protection raises concerns about the lake’s sustainability as a tourist destination.

The situation highlights a common dilemma in developing regions: balancing economic opportunities from tourism with environmental protection and proper regulatory oversight. Local residents like Satendra Kumar from Bihar, India, appreciate having the recreational space despite limited infrastructure—he noted the irony of visiting the lake for leisure while his area struggles with drinking water supplies. Whether Bharat Taal can overcome its legal and environmental hurdles will determine if this grassroots tourism success story can continue.