The tendency of flouting the norms of constructing structures even in and around the prominent monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley has continued despite the frequent warnings issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), archaeologists and heritage conservation campaigners. There is no denying the fact that the widespread and unplanned urbanisation and other development activities have been posing a grave threat to those invaluable monuments and other traditional structures in the World Heritage Sites. Although there are laws, standards, and guidelines in regard with constructing new structures in the monument sites and their surroundings in place, many sky-rocketing modern buildings are constructed. It is an irony that such concrete multi-storey buildings are competing to stand taller than the treasured historic palaces and cultural monuments. This type of illegal practice has disfigured the monument sites and reduced their archaeological, religious and aesthetic value.

Known as an open living museum, the Kathmandu Valley is home to seven unmatched monument sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous other monuments. This is the testimony to the fact that the beautiful valley is very rich in cultural heritage. It is the historical sites, shrines and temples that have enhanced the Kathmandu Valley’s status as one of the most leading cultural tourist destinations of the world. Before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, many foreign tourists used to visit these monument sites every day. Thus, these cultural treasures have contributed significantly to making Nepal known to the outside world as well as boosting national economy. But the authorities concerned do not seem to have paid due attention towards giving a facelift to such heritages.

Lately, a new dispute over the construction of modern infrastructure around Swayambhu’s Mahachaitya area has arisen. According to the news carried by this daily on Sunday, the hilltop concrete frame building is now being rebuilt by the Karmaraja Mahavihar. Houses of 19 Buddhist gurus and their shops are also under construction. The Department of Archaeology (DoA) had permitted the concerned committee to rebuild the three-storey shrine by limiting its height to 24 feet from its original height of 36 feet. However, several geological studies had recommended removing all the non-archaeological structures from the edge of the Swayambhu hill to prevent possible landslides and other risks. Even a risk study conducted in 2014 by the Institute of Engineering pointed out that rampant extension and addition of new buildings had triggered landslides at the hilltop time and again in the past.

It may be recalled here that Swayambhu Conservation Master Plan had intended to regain and preserve the fame of the hill as religious and natural site in 1989. The plan indicators include the reconstruction of new buildings, demolition of existing ones, reforestation, among others. In 1982, another technical report also suggested that no new structures should be built on the edge of the slope considering its fragile geological condition. The dome of the Swayambhunath Stupa itself is very heavy. So, constructing new concrete structures in this narrow area may put the famous hilltop at higher risk. The DoA and other related agencies must monitor the structures being reconstructed at the Swayambhu hilltop. They should also ensure that the reconstruction process is in full compliance with the set standards.