Kathmandu December 27.’Kanti Lake’ which is located in between ward 21 and 22 of Nepalgunj sub-metropolis is being reconstructed to revitalize its glory as a tourism hub. The lake rejuvenation has started at the cost of around Rs 95 million under the aegis of the sub-metropolis, informed mayor Dr Dhawal Shumsher Rana. He shared the target is to complete lake reconstruction within one and a half years. The lake was known to be ‘Puraina’ or ‘Puraini’ lake. Its name has been changed in to Kanti Lake when the sub-metropolis took initiative to develop it as a tourism hub. The lake lies on the corridor of Rapti road in 2.5 km east from Dhambojhi chowk of Nepalgunj. The lake is stretched over 25 bigha area including 17 bigha in ward 22 Puraini and 8 bighas in ward 21 Puraina. As a natural lake it was used for agro irrigation in the past. The lake was also given on lease for fish keeping from 2039 BS to 2072 BS. Later the sub-metropolis floated a plan to develop the lake as a tourism spot. “Before 2039 BS the lake area was popular as a habitat for elephants. Various species of birds used to be spotted in the area. The lake was covered with green grass”, said ward 22 chair Bidya Ram Barma. “The reconstruction will revitalize the elegance of the lake”, he expressed his confidence.