By Bikas Adhikari, Nawalparasi (West), July 30: Residents of Parsawal village in Ramgram Municipality-14 of Nawalparasi (West) have expressed enthusiasm following the launch of a homestay programme. The initiative covers Parsawal and Shrinagar villages, with the historic and tourist-attractive Hadahiya Pond serving as its focal point.
The homestay programme has been launched with an investment of nearly Rs. 20 million under a partnership between Ramgram Municipality and the Lumbini provincial government.
According to Ramgram Mayor Dhanpat Yadav, the beautification of the historic Hadahiya Pond and the construction of a cultural building in Parsawal village have already been completed under the programme.
He said the initiative aims to create local employment opportunities, promote tourism and expand economic activities. Although the area has considerable tourism potential, it has remained relatively underdeveloped, and the programme is expected to help increase the income of local residents.
Ramgram’s Employment Coordinator Suman Gyawali said that a series of training programmes had been conducted to equip local people with the skills and capacity required to operate homestays. The training covered homestay management, preparation and presentation of traditional local cuisine, hospitality and guest reception.
At present, local residents have allocated one or two rooms in their homes for homestay accommodation. The Municipality has provided the basic furnishing and facilities required for guests.
Deepak Prasad Chaudhary, a local resident, said the homestay programme had brought renewed enthusiasm to the village. He noted that women, who had previously been confined mainly to household work, are now actively involved in operating homestays and welcoming visitors with traditional local dishes.
He added that, with active participation from local residents and funding provided by the municipality, the cultural building was completed within five months and has become a symbol of the village’s identity.
An agreement between Ramgram Municipality and the Lumbini government was signed on May 26 last year under the Chief Minister Innovation Programme, which aims to promote tourism and strengthen entrepreneurship in local communities as a means of economic and social development.
According to the municipality, further beautification of the Hadahiya Pond area and additional tourism infrastructure development works will continue during the current fiscal year 2026/27.
The Rising Nepal
