LAMJUNG: Locals of Rainas Municipality in Timure, Lamjung have launched a conservation drive in a bid to protect local mango species planted two centuries ago in public places in the area.

Moreover, the locals formed a work committee to begin the preservation efforts citing that the mango species typical to their region face threat of extinction.

“We commit to pass down this centuries-old garden to the younger generation after restoring it,” conservation committee’s Chair Bishnu Panthi said.

An area of 50 ropani houses as many as 18 local species of mango trees including Katare, Jureli, Karkale, Sindure, Sano Lahare,Tallo Mithai and Supare among others planted by predecessors two centuries ago in the municipality.

A protection programme under government’s National Seed Vision 2013-25 and Lutheran World Relief in coordination with Committee for the Promotion of Public Awareness and Development Studies (COPPADES) have aided in the conservation efforts.