Gajadaha, an alluring high-altitude pond in Baglung district, has been gradually shrinking over the past few years. Local residents and conservationists are worried about the depleting water level in the pond, which spans around 1,200 square metres.

Perched on top of Gaja hill at an altitude of 2,450 metres above sea level, Gajadaha attracts tourists as well as Hindu devotees. Locals claim that until a few years back, water level in the pond would not decrease even during the winter.

“The pond is situated on the roof of the hill and holds religious significance. The use of a bulldozer under the pretext of conserving the pond ultimately caused its water level to decrease. The pond should be preserved naturally,” said Nara Bahadur Thapa, a local resident.

In 2017, the local government used a bulldozer around the pond to build a wall apparently to protect and beautify the pond. The locals suspect that the use of bulldozer disrupted the natural source of water feeding the pond.

The pond lies in ward 3 of Jaimini Municipality. On its bank stands the Siddha Baraha Temple, which draws thousands of devotees from Jaimini, Galkot and Baglung municipalities, as well as Kathekhola and Bareng rural municipalities. Religious fairs are organised at Gajadaha on the occasion of Baikuntha Chaturdashi [in November] and Balachaturdashi [in December]. Devotees flock to the pond for holy dips during Poornima (full moon) and other Hindu festivals.

Gajadaha is located around 24 kilometres to the west of Baglung district headquarters.

Lately, the pond area has become a popular destination for domestic tourists. The Gandaki provincial government has listed Gajadaha and its surroundings as a tourist area. But the locals complain that the provincial government has not released funds to develop infrastructure in the area.

“The Gajadaha area has been recognised as a tourist destination, but no budget has been allocated for its conservation and development. The government should at least upgrade the road connecting the area. The locals are willing to take initiatives for infrastructure development,” said Thapa.

Around 10 km of road leading to Gajadaha is quite slippery and perilous. Local residents have demanded that the road be upgraded and the Gajadaha area be declared a tourist destination. They have lambasted the provincial as well as the local government for ignoring Gajadaha while allocating development budgets.

Gajadaha is a vantage point that offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchchhre, Manaslu among other mountains. Various parts of Baglung, Parbat, Gulmi, Myagdi and Syangja can also be seen from the pond area. Many people trek to the area for its panoramic and mesmerising views.

In a bid to raise funds for the conservation of Gajadaha and Siddha Baraha Temple, local residents have organised a Saptaha Mahayagya, a weeklong Puran recitation, that started Saturday. “The Mahayagya is not just a religious function, it is also a way to preserve local culture and heritage,” said Krishna Bahadur Bhujel, chairman of ward 3 of Jaimini. According to him, the funds collected from the Mahayagya will be used for the conservation of the pond, temple and development of other infrastructure in the area.

There are settlements of Magar and Chhantyal communities near the pond. These communities pay homage at Sidda Baraha Temple and Gajadaha and organise various cultural fairs featuring Sorathi, Salaijo, and other folk songs and dances. Local residents have also been working to develop the area as a tourist destination by offering services to visitors and showing their culture. “We have been operating a home-stay service in 10 houses to accommodate visiting tourists,” said Yanukala Kala Magar, a local.

Jaimini Municipality is working on a ‘master plan’ for the development and preservation of the Gajadaha area. “The municipality will come with a master plan for the development of the Gajadaha area,” said Bhujel. According to him, Internal Affairs Minister of Gandaki Province Takraj Gurung assured the locals that the road will be upgraded and the pond will be conserved.