Bhanu Chowk tower clock stops ticking in Dharan

By Nisha rai,Dharan, Jan. 20: Dharan Sub Metropolitan City is one of the famous and beautiful cities in Province 1. One of the most sought-after tourist destinations among people who visit Dharan is the clock tower situated in Bhanu Chowk. It has, however, stopped ticking for the past four months. 

A memorial was built on the clock tower premise in the names of those who were killed in the earthquake of August, 1988. 

The earthquake had caused a great damage to Dharan city, killing 116 persons and injuring 1,500 others. The memorial was built in their memory. However, it is a big dismay that the clock, meant to give information about time, has stopped ticking. 

Dharan is also known as the city of Lahures (those who served in the British Army). The clock tower was built with the help of Hong Kong residents of Dharan and the Dharan residents in accordance with the 20-year long-term thinking of Dharan Sub Metropolitan city. It was built as a tourist attraction site at a cost of Rs.5.63 million in Bhanu Chowk of Dharan. It was formally opened to tourists on January 4, 2006.

The 55-foot tower is modeled after the clock tower in Hong Kong, which stands 76.5 feet above the ground. About fifty people can encircle the tower while observing the scenery. Advocate Deepak Kumari Budhathoki said that Dharan has established itself as a tourist hub for the ones visiting Eastern Nepal.

Employees at the clock tower said that the clock was not repaired due to the negligence on the part of the Sub Metropolitan City office. Since the tower falls under the metropolitan area, it’s the responsibility of the municipality to manage it. According to him, around 300-400 people enter clock tower premise on a daily basis. 

A fee is required to enter and climb the tower. Now people could be heard slamming the municipal officials for failing to fix the clock.  

Pratik Rai from Dharan 11 said that the tower, which has become focal identity of Dharan city, has been neglected by the local government and it was a shame for both Dharan and its citizens.  In this context, Deputy Mayor of Dharan Aindra Bikram Begha said that initiatives have already been taken to repair the watch.