3D park built at iconic Lakuri Manch raises concerns

By Tilachan Pandey,Tamghas, June 8: It has been nearly five years since the iconic Lankuri tree (Pinus wallichiana) collapsed from the once-prominent Lankuri Manch, a historical platform that symbolises people's voice against government’s misconduct.

In the past, the locals of Gulmi district utilised this platform to organise programmes to alert the government, as it is the place close to government authorities, including the district court, district administration office, office of the district coordination committee, and other government offices.

However, after the Lakuri tree fell, the representatives of Resunga Municipality took a decision to replace it with a 3D Park rather than planting another tree at the iconic place.

Although the construction of the park concluded several years ago, it has remained unused and locked, with no signs of it opening anytime soon.

Unfortunately, local children have taken advantage of this and continuously vandalise the park's infrastructure, playing with the accumulated water and causing damages.

Regrettably, the Municipality has shown little interest in protecting the park.

The 3D Park, built at a cost of Rs. 5.5 million through a 50-50 partnership between Resunga Municipality and Lumbini Province some five years ago, has been left neglected.

Although Rs. 1 million has been spent on its maintenance over the years, the park has been in an abandoned state.

The place that was once known as Lankuri Manch has lost its identity, and the platform that locals relied upon to voice their concerns to the government now remains unused.

Padam Pandey, chairman of the civil society in Gulmi, expressed sadness over the loss of identity and the lack of attention from local authorities to conserve and revive the significance of Lankuri Manch.

Pandey criticised the decision to dismantle the historical platform, where the political parties, organisations, and civil society used to raise their voices against government misconduct.

Pandey stressed the need for restoring the park to its original state, in line with the sentiment of the locals.

Mayor Khil Dhwaj Panthi of Resunga Municipality acknowledged their responsibility to protect the park's structure.

Panthi noted that many residents have expressed their desire to see the old Lankuri Manch reinstated, emphasising the importance of not letting the existing structures go to waste.

He expressed readiness to bring the park built by the previous administration into operation.

Panthi argued that the former representatives should have taken into account the historical value and sentiment attached to the site before constructing the 3D park.

As concerns are raised about the neglected park, the fate of the iconic Lankuri Manch remains uncertain.