Uses of Ponds in Nawalparasi West District, Lumbini Province of Nepal

Abstract

This study analyzes the existing uses of ponds in the Nawalparasi West district of Lumbini Province of Nepal. Ponds are of great importance for various aspects of nature and human life. Its importance varies from nature wonder to religion and culture to economic importance. There are various uses of ponds depending on their locality, topography, society, climate, and accessibility. Knowing the uses and the importance of the pond by local people for better development planning, for maximum benefits and sustainable management is a must. In this paper, data were collected from the Tarai plain areas using maps and through field study itself where several ponds are used by local people. The study revealed that the ponds have multiple uses. Most of the ponds are privately owned and mostly used for fishing, which is directly related to the income of the households. Many public ponds are also economically important for fishing at the community level. Additionally, many public ponds are historically tied to the religion and cultural practices of local indigenous people. Some ponds are ecologically important in the study site.