By Binu Shrestha

Kathmandu, Feb. 13: All heritage sites on the bank of the Bagmati River from Thapathali to Teku Dobhan, which are in dilapidated state, will be renovated and reconstructed under the Bagmati Beautification Project.
The 2015 earthquake had caused massive damage to the heritages of the area.
The Bagmati Action Plan in 2009 had already warned that the heritage sites located from Thapathali to Teku confluence were at risk due to lack of timely maintenance, increasing encroachment and rapid urbanisation.
There are more than 100 historic structures, including the three-storeyed temple complex within the courtyards surrounded on all sides by Sattals. The dome and bell-shaped roof temple complex, Sattals for hermits and saints, cremation platforms, chaityas and a monastery which were constructed in the 19th century are in the area.
According to a legend, late king Gunakama Deva had established the city on the bank of the Bagmati River in the 10th century. The shrine of Pancha Lingeshwor Bhairab was installed which later became popular as Pachali Bhairab.
The earliest record showed that the mingling of the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers is the holiest site for both Buddhists and Hindus. It is one of the 12 tirthas (pilgrimage sites) of the valley known as Chintamani Tirtha.
It is believed that Teku Dobhan Ghat was the earliest temple built by Ne Muni to meditate.
There are 14 ghats from Thapathali to Teku which were built at different periods. They belong to different caste groups.
Jagannath Temple, Lakshmishwor Mahadeva Temple, Tripureshwor Mahadeva Temple, Bam Bikatashwor Mahadeva Temple and Purneshwor Mahadeva Temple are the major heritage structures of the area.
The Shikhar style Jagannath Temple complex with Chaughere Sattal is one of the largest temples built by Bharo Bhava Singh Pradhan in 1792.
Bam Bikateshwor Temple also called Teen Dewal complex with Chaughera Sattal was built by the commander-in-chief and acting prime minister Bam Bahadur Rana in 1850. The multi-layered platform has three Shikhar structures.
The dome shaped roof of Jang Hiranya Hem Narayan Temple was built by Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana.
Puret Ghat Sattal, Mathema Sattal, Manadhar Sattal are the best examples
of the 19th century heritages which have been waiting for preservation and renovation.
Of them, conservation
work on the Ban Bokateshwor Temple is underway. Works on the second phase Bagmati Beautification Project from
Thapathali to Teku Dohban have been going on for four months to construct corridors on either side of the river.
The project has also been working on reconstruction of the heritage sites of the area.
The park is being constructed from Thapathali to Teku on a stretch of 6100 metres under the Bagmati River Beatification Project and a total stretch of seven kilometers will be beautified, said Kamal Aryal, information officer of High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of the Bagmati Civilisation (HPCIDBC).
The park is being built at a cost of over Rs. 1 billion under the joint funding of the government and the Asian Development Bank by constructing a wall on either side of the river and growing plants. It has invested 1.05 billion to reconstruct the monuments of the area.
“As per the plan of the project, a cycle lane, footpath and greenery will be developed on both sides of the corridor. The footpath and cycle lane will be two meters wide each while greenery will cover three meters,” he said.