Rastriya Samachar Samiti

Ilam, March 21:

As part of its long-term plan, the government has started different kinds of construction work and programmes at Maipokhari in Ilam, with a view of developing the area as one of the most famous religious-tourist destinations in the eastern region. Various government bodies, local organisations and local people have started an integrated development and organisational work in order to reduce rural poverty by developing Maipokhari area, which is blessed with natural beauty, besides being a religious-tourist destination. More than two million rupees has been spent under the Maipokhari Tourism Development Programme isince 1998, according to Kamal Mukhiya, coordinator of Maipokhari Conservation Committee.

Different houses and other structures have been constructed for making pilgrims comfortable, while Satyadhuni temple and other shrines have been renovated. Under the programme, roads and staircases have been constructed and some other places have been given a facelift.

Construction of a wall around the main pond is underway for better conservation of Maipokhari, said Suresh Nemwang of the committee. The district development committee, Ilam has started construction of a boarding house for pilgrims and a 42-km tourist trail, linking Maipokhari with Pauwabhanjyang of Panchthar district is being built, according to Mukhiya.