Something to cheer about

OCT. 10
MANDAKINI SHRESTHA 

 
A part from problems like nominal budget and lack of technical manpower, the Department of Archaeology (DoA) has at least got something to heave a sigh of relief about. The increasing local participation in conservation of the historical and cultural monuments in around Kathmandu valley and its adjoining districts is really good news to all.

Recently, the renovation of the famous Chandeshwori Temple in Banepa in Kavre district this year is the best example that shows how locals are concerned about preserving their historic and cultural glory. The local bodies including the communities of Banepa contributed around Rs 56 million for renovation and maintenance work in the temple to a total cost of Rs 60 million. The DoA provided the remaining money for the temple.

Another example of public-private partnership is the renovation of the 55-window palace (Pachpanna jhyale durbar) in Bhaktapur that cost around Rs 20 million. The locals and the administrative bodies working in the district donated maximum funds for this project.

The involvement of locals in preservation and renovation of these sites is increasing over the last 4-5 years as more and more renovation and maintenance of the temples, idols, palaces and gumpas among others is being carried out with local support, particularly inside.

 “Public participation is a must for the sustainable preservation of archaeological sites. The government is only a  medium to provide a certain sum of money to an extent, but in the long run the locals are the ones who must be responsible.” Th government encourages at least 10 percent investment of the public for any renovation and repair work on historical sites.

Meanwhile, the three-year project implemented by DoA for the first time for documentation and listing of archeological sites in all 75 districts of the country is nearing its end. “The main aim of the project is to document both known and unknown places that have historical, cultural and archeological importance in the country,”.

However, due to lack of adequate money allocated by the government for repair and renovation works, the department is facing problems preserving heritage sites. Last year, of a Rs 31 million total budget allocated by the government to carry out conservation works on heritage sites across the country, around Rs 19 million was allocated for preservation of seven World Heritage Sites inside Kathmandu Valley.

Unplanned urbanisation of the valley has also emerged as a major threat to these cultural sites. While dense human settlement and rapid urbanisation are obstructing excavation, increasing pollution is likely to damage ancient artistry in such sites. The lack of a technical lab is another problem. The archaelogical finds have to be sent to India or other countries, tripling the cost of lab tests.

Meanwhile, in order to protect the artistry and beauty of a location where such sites are located, the government has forbidden the construction of houses in these areas without the permission of DoA. the house.

However, very few people follow the rule. Foreign culture and tradition are also derailing today’s youth from original Nepali history of art and culture.

(As told by Mandakini Shrestha, chief archaeological officer with Department of Archaeology to Pragati Shahi and Ankit Adhikari.)


Published in The Kathmandu Post -- October 11