By Our Correspondent
Urlabari, Nov. 20: The foundation stone of Rajarani Lake Conservation and Beautification Project at Letang-1 in North Morang, considered the capital of Sunakhari (orchid flower), was laid on Thursday.
The Letang Municipality has conducted a detailed feasibility study spending Rs. 168.195 million for three years for the much-awaited project for the development of tourism in the area.
The municipality was in discussions with the federal government for the construction of the project for three years.

The municipality had prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project at a cost of Rs. 69.36 million after the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the federal government suggested revising the DPR of Rs 160 million.
The project will be constructed in partnership with the federal government after the approval of the DPR. The government of Nepal will provide 65 per cent of the total amount while 35 per cent will be borne by the Letang Municipality.

An agreement has been reached with the municipality and CM Josie & JV for the construction of the project on May 20. The construction company has signed a contract worth Rs. 56 million.
The construction company will have to complete the work of the project and hand it over to the municipality in February 2023.

Under the project, 420 ropanis in the lake area will be fenced. Wooden view towers and stone fences will be constructed to conserve the water of the lake.
Similarly, fireplace houses, ticket counters, tourist resting places and public toilets will be constructed in the area.
Mayor Shankar Rai said that the conservation and beautification of the lake would be of great importance in the development of tourism in the area.

This area, which has the largest variety of orchid flowers found in the country, will become a study centre not only for Nepal but also for the students of Botany from abroad.
Stating that the municipality would facilitate the work, Rai requested all to coordinate with the municipality in case of any obstruction.
The lake area is located 12 km north of Kanepokhari under the Morang section of the East-West Highway.