Pokhara, February 25

An exhibition of paintings related to conservation kicked off in Pokhara yesterday with the initiative of Annapurna Conservation Area Project under the National Fund for Nature Conservation.

Gandaki Province Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Minister Bikash Lamsal inaugurated the exhibition at Pokhara Art Gallery.

The exhibit features paintings created at Pothana, Thulakharka and Dhampus inside the conservation area in three days since February 15.

Speaking at the inauguration, the minister commended ACAP’s awareness through-paintings initiative, calling it simply the best way to make people aware about conservation of nature and its flora and fauna.

“As our province is rich in natural resources and culture, the government is committed to setting up a separate museum for the conservation of art and culture,” he said.

On the occasion, artist Durga Baral, popularly known as Batsayan, was honoured in recognition of his contribution through art since the start of conservation paintings around 26 years ago.

A total of 32 paintings created by artists such as Baral, Gopal Shrestha, Bishwo KC, Manoj Tamang, Thamansingh Sunar, Bijaya Gurung are displayed.

According to the exhibition coordinator Ramesh Shrestha, the exhibition will continue till March 2.