सिङ्गा तातोपानी कुण्ड
MYAGDI, Oct 15:
The natural healing site Singa Tatopani Kund located in Beni Municipality-4, Myagdi, has resumed operations after 18 days.
The structures of the hot spring ponds were damaged by floods and landslides following incessant rainfall from Ashwin 8 to 11. Bathing services were suspended after mud, sand, and gravel accumulated in the pools situated along the banks of the Myagdi River. According to Amar KC (Kumar), secretary of the management committee, the pond was brought back into operation on Wednesday after clearing the silt from the main pool and surrounding area through voluntary labor (shramdaan), making it fit for bathing. “On the first day of reopening, 20 to 25 people took a bath,” he stated. “We expect the number of visitors to increase after Dashain.” Ashwin and Kartik are the peak seasons for bathing in the hot springs, and the closure during this period also impacted local businesses.
The complex features three ponds. Among them, the large upper pond used by patients for treatment was inundated with mud, while a small pond built for tourists was washed away by the flood. Other structures, including the changing room building and the building housing the hot water storage tank, were destroyed by landslides, and the open bathing area was buried.
While the silt in the main pond was cleared through community volunteer efforts, the committee is seeking financial sources to repair other pools and damaged structures. Management Committee Chairman Krishna Khadka shared that assistance has been requested from local, provincial, and federal governments for the reconstruction and conservation of the pond. According to him, physical damages exceeding Rs 20 million have resulted from the floods and landslides.
“Various wards, youth clubs, mother’s groups, the Nepal Army, and the Armed Police Force of Singa have contributed volunteer labor,” he said. “Reconstruction has been carried out with the support of donors and various organizations.” More than 1,300 locals, security personnel, and representatives of organizations participated in the reconstruction campaign.
In the last fiscal year 2082/83, over 21,000 people bathed in this pond. People from all 77 districts of Nepal as well as foreign countries visit for natural healing. Naturally emerging hot water along the banks of the Myagdi River is collected to supply the bathing pools. The water temperature is approximately 50 degrees Celsius and emits a scent reminiscent of black salt (birenoon).
There is a deep-seated public belief and experience that bathing in the hot springs cures skin disorders, gastric issues, rheumatism, and injuries. The most suitable season for bathing in the hot springs spans from Ashwin to Baishakh, with a fee of Rs 500 set for a nine-day bathing period.
(RSS)
