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Showcasing Chitwan

By organizing a major trade fair, Chitwan expects to accelerate economic development

By SANJAYA DHAKAL in Narayangadh

This sprawling district in the inner terai region went through a unique festive moment for seven days in the wake of Chitwan Festival 2000 — a biennial trade fair (December 26 till January 2) — that began amid a colorful ceremony at the Campachaur, Narayangadh. The fair was inaugurated by Crown Prince Dipendra to mark the 56th auspicious birthday of His Majesty the King.

True to the district’s strength in the field, the trade fair had an impressive presence of tourism and agrovet-related products. From a sample chepang house to stalls showcasing machines to mix poultry-feeds, the fair detailed the basic reasons behind the district’s leading role in the country.

A scene fo the festival : Helps economic growth

About 75 percent of the total tourists visiting Nepal come to Chitwan, making it one of the top-three destinations, after Kathmandu and Pokhara. Likewise, the district leads in the agrovet sector, including maize production and poultry and hatchery industries.

The trade fair included 290 stalls displaying various consumer items, furniture, herbal medicines and machinery. "This festival gives the true picture of our district and we hope to become a leader in the country in economic prosperity by promoting trade and industry by organizing such events regularly," said Prachanda Lal Pradhan, coordinator of the program and the president of Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

The Chitwan festival has been organized every two years for the last six years. This year’s event was organized jointly by the CCCI, Chitwan District Development Committee (DDC), Ratnanagar Municipality, Bharatpur Municipality and Ratnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) promoted the festival.

"Chitwan being one of the favorite tourist destinations, the NTB has promoted this event to further strengthen its tourism potential," said Diwakar Rana, an official at the board.

The fair had a separate Agrovet Pavilion with 40 stalls showcasing various products and services. "The development of Chitwan in industry and commerce, specially in poultry-farming and feeds, has been exemplary. We need to replicate Chitwan’s progress elsewhere," said Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Big rivers like Narayani and Rapti run through this district, making it one of the most fertile regions of the country. Still there are many parts of the district that are yet to get irrigation facilities. "Because of the absence of irrigation, the eastern and western parts of the district are slowly turning into deserts. If only we could develop irrigation facilities in the Narayani river, this district could become a rich storehouse of foodgrains," said Bishnu Ghimire, president of Chitwan DDC.

According to the organizers, the total cost of organizing the festival was around Rs 30 million. They expected more than 150,000 people to visit the fair. Apart from tourism and agrovet, the festival also displayed several cultural programs. Glimpses of the unique Tharu culture were the highlight of the show. Rafting and motor boating in the Narayani, food festivals and display of various ethnic dances also were held during the event.

Speed Boating In Narayani

Tourists know Chitwan because of its rhinos, tigers and elephants. Now there is one more reason why they will not forget this inner-terai district. The thrills of water sports have arrived here in a big way. River Excursion Tours recently introduced speed boating in the Narayani river near Pulchowk. This water adventure sport has begun with only two speed boats, but the operators plan to increase the number. "We believe Chitwan holds tremendous potential for water activities and adventure tourism," said Raj Kumar Shrestha, managing director of the agency. Shrestha’s organization had been operating similar facilities for the last one year in the Thimaura Village Development Committee near Ramnagar of Chitwan district. Now they have introduced this sport to the heart of Chitwan — Narayangadh — since December 26, coinciding with the inauguration of Chitwan Festival. The tickets for the speed boat carry life insurance worth Rs 100,000 each. "In fact, I have a plan to introduce ski-boating and paraglide-boating, too, but I have not been granted permission yet," said Shrestha. He hopes that by introducing such new services, the average duration of a tourist’s stay in the district can be increased. Shrestha, however, added that travel trade operators like him need support from local authorities like municipalities to bring in more tourists. "The municipal authorities could do well by building necessary infrastructure and keeping the city clean so that tourists will want to visit the place," he said.