Kathmandu: Lawmakers have demanded a ban on the construction of cemented burial vaults in the Sleshmantak jungle at Pashupatinath area which is a world heritage site. Speaking at an interaction programme about the Pashupati area master plan, former Prime Minister and lawmaker Madhav Kumar Nepal underlined the need of protecting the site.
The programme was organised by a sub-committee formed by the International Relations Committee, House of Representatives, to study about cultural aspects of world heritage sites. He was also of the view of promoting the use of electric crematorium facility available at the Pashupatinath Aryaghat so as to prevent environmental impact caused by traditional ways of cremation based on firewood fuel.
He advised the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) to increase cleanliness of the temple area to leave a good impression among visitors. Former Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala stressed that beauty of the area should not be spoiled by the construction of cemented grave vaults. She also sought a ban on the arrival of nude people and widespread intake of marijuana, bhang, and other narcotic substances on the temple premises during the Shivaratri festival. Lawmaker Mohan Baniya suggested that the PADT should undertake infrastructure construction and heritage conservation works under a one-door policy. He sought a proper alternative to the burial site in Pashupati.
Lawmaker Naradmudi Rana demanded the well information delivery system in the Pashupatinath. Sub-committee coordinator Sujita Shakya shared that deity idols were found even in toilets, directing the PADT for their proper management. The master plan be developed in such a way so that it could establish the PADT as an attractive religious and touristic site.
PADT member secretary Dr Pradeep Dhakal said the formulation of master plan was delayed as the National Reconstruction Authority was preparing a survey report in regard with the Pashupatinath area. As he shared, there is a target of completing the work by coming March-April. He urged the Committee to make initiation for changing the Ring Road route along the Tribhuvan International Airport to Chabahil if the Koteshwor-Gaushala- Chabahil route was widened.
