The devastating earthquake of 2015 made everyone in the world silent. It has now become a part of history that every Nepalese remembers with sorrows.
But that’s not the whole story; damage caused by the major earthquake in our cultural heritage sites are still the same. The monuments that were reduced to rubble are still there without any reconstruction plans at place.
Sometimes, it’s the failing plans from Government’s side and other times it’s the intervention of private authorities on the heritage sites. Local Government’s disappointing strides were very much patent which was seen in Rani Pokhari.
When Kathmandu Metropolitan City was using concrete to construct a 10-foot boundary wall on the southeastern side of Rani Pokhari, Bidya Sundar Shakya made a proposal to build coffee shop and a modern water fountain.
It was opposed by locals, conservationists, historians until it was halted. The authorities held responsible were criticized by media for their slow-paced work. In an interview, Mayor claimed of having good intentions and people tend to forget that there are several municipalities and central government it. But the accusations are always thrown at him.
However, his words of promise to preserve the historical monument seems to backfire as over the past three years Rani Pokhari remains the same as rubble despite of Rs. 30 million money used by the Metropolis Office for the reconstruction of it.
On the other hand, the cultural heritage sites are not only being affected by the deteriorating efforts of Government but it has also become a subject of intervention.
Despite the fact that the reconstruction of Boudhanath stupa was completed very fast in comparison to other reconstructing projects, it did not remain untouched by the controversy. The intrusion of private authorities was evident when The Boudha Ghyan Ghuti responsible for the maintenance of stupa drilled the walls with nails, pins for the installation of colorful lights a month ago. The locals, historians, activists, criticized the act as an attack to the long history that the Stupa is evident of since the 14th century. Local’s claim that the installation of colorful lights is a way of gaining of commercial benefit in the name of religion. However, the chairman of the Boudha Ghyang Ghuti remained strong on his words stating that, ‘ it was solely based on to make Boudhanath stupa more beautiful and to promote it in the global arena as a major tourist attraction.’
It fired up a great controversy as it was against the protocols ruled by the Department of Archaeology which states that every new changes or construct on the premises of the listed World Heritage Sites must have the permission from the department.
Later, the Ghuti was given instruction from the Department of Archaeology to eliminate all the colorful lights and generator from the premises. And it was supported by Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Deputy Mayor, Hari Prabha Khadgi, saying that, ” We will take action against anyone who violates the rule”. She also further added that, ” The lack of governance has led our cultural heritages to be neglected but now as the Local Government is on rise, such interventions on our heritage sites won’t be tolerated.”
This doesn’t only end here; the allegation on the Pashupatinath Development Committee on the construction of the corridor built with concrete in Sleshmantak Jungle three months ago has raised questions regarding the preservation of cultural heritages which has been discarded by the responsible authorities. Regardless of Supreme Court’s orders and Department of Archaeology’s ultimatum the concrete corridor was built as per the campaigners accuse. The Committee claims that, the corridor was intended to make the visits on the Jungle more mobile for the people. However, conservationist Ganapatilal Shrestha says, ‘Such additional structure on the Sleshmantak Jungle is only going to offend the cultural values and beliefs. And we must leave the historic Sleshmantak Jungle the way it is says, ‘ conservationist Ganapatilal Shrestha.’
These are only few of the highlighted cases where preservation of heritage sites were undermined but there are still many of them which needs attention as well as conservation. Whatever the case be whether it is from the Government’s side or the local authorities or any private committees, Nepal’s cultural heritage sites should not be mistreated in the midst of it. The representation of Nepalese culture, religious values and long history in the global arena is carried by our Cultural heritages. The distressing situation of our heritages replicates our slow-paced Government policies and loopholes of the management. If such chaos continues in the premises of our cultural heritage sites then our rich history could be overshadowed with commercial benefits losing its authenticity.
It’s not late for the rectification of our mistakes as former U.S ambassador Teplitz has suggested ‘Investing in cultural heritage, will train more traditional craftspeople-keeping these traditions alive and creating new jobs. Nepal’s history can serve as a foundation for its future prosperity. ‘
