Nepal News Correspondent

BUTWAL, Dec. 31: Lumbini Crane Reserve Centre organised the ‘Crane Festival’ at Lumbini Monday.

The International Crane Reserve Centre in association with Lumbini Development Trust has been conserving cranes, an endangered species Uniquely Limited in Nepal, in five ponds constructed in an area of 100 hectares nearby the Lumbini Viswoshanti Stupa.

Some 300 cranes are estimated to inhabit in Nepal including in the places like Maidahawa, Jiginihya and Jagadishpur of Rupandehi district.

Speaking at the programme Lumbini Crane Reserve chairman Rajendra Suwal pointed out the need for cranes, which are said to have deep attachment with the biography of Lord Buddha and are often regarded as the symbol for peace and love, to be conserved.

The cranes are at the verge of extinction also because of the increasing damage of their natural inhabitants by overpopulation and encroachments, he said.

Pollution caused by different factories including Triveni Distillery in the cranes’ shelter area and illegal poaching are other reasons for their decline, he added.

On the occasion crane reserve camps, training sessions and drawing competition were conducted for the students of different schools.