Center for Environment and Tourism Development

Dharan has been widely recognized as a highly desirable and liveable city in Nepal. The weather is quite pleasant, and the area has abundant natural resources. However, over the past few decades, rapid population growth paired with unplanned urban sprawl has negatively impacted the natural resources in the area. The Sardu River and its catchment areas have been an essential natural resource for the survival of humans as well as the plants and wildlife that have inhabited this area. Despite its environmental significance, the local authorities have failed to properly conserve the area directly, resulting in the river drying up. Recognizing the need for addressing environmental issues in the area, The Centre for Environment and Tourism Development (CETD) – Dharan was established in 2003. CETD has been actively working to conserve the river and restore it to its natural state. Additionally, CETD is working to solve the drinking water issue in the Dharan Sub Metropolitan Region with the belief that tourism in the area will flourish once our natural resources are appropriately conserved.