Butwal, Feb. 3 -- As most natural sources of water are drying up, the Province 5 government has taken initiatives to conserve wetland areas across the province. In coordination with the Provincial Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, the local units in all 12 districts of the province have commenced works to preserve the existing wetlands and create new ones.

As many as 116 ponds have been constructed in the province in the first phase of the drive.

"Lakes and ponds in the area are gradually drying up. Hence we started this drive to conserve the existing ponds and dig new ones," said Lila Giri, the provincial minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment. "Wetland conservation helps to preserve the ecosystem a...