Minister Pandey urges all three levels of govt to preserve cultural heritage

BY KEDAR TIMALSINA,Banepa, Dec. 22: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has emphasised the need for collaboration and coordination among all three levels of government to preserve archaeological and cultural heritage. 

During the 300th week of the Triveni Cleanliness Campaign, initiated by the Kavreli Active Women’s Organisation in Panauti on Saturday, Minister Pandey stressed the importance of unity in safeguarding archaeological, historical and cultural heritage.

“Nepal is culturally diverse. Temples are symbols of our civilization and culture. We are rich because of our diverse cultures. Cleanliness is essential for protecting and promoting heritage linked with our culture,” said Minister Pandey. “It is impossible for any single level of government to take responsibility for safeguarding heritage. No single organisation, body or group can do it alone. It requires collective effort. There must be coordination and cooperation among the federal, provincial and local governments regarding the preservation, development, and reconstruction of heritage. Likewise, local communities must actively participate.”

The Minister also pointed out the need for coordination among all three levels of government for the reconstruction of heritage damaged by floods and landslides. He said that cleanliness campaigns cannot succeed solely through the efforts of special groups or individuals. For proper waste management, individuals must themselves become aware and responsible. Referring to the Bagmati Cleanliness Mega Campaign, he said that it had raised public awareness about cleanliness, leading to numerous similar campaigns across the country.

Since 2018, the Kavreli Active Women’s Organisation has been organising weekly cleanliness programmes every Saturday at the historic, cultural and archaeological Triveni Ghat in Panauti. Sumitra Acharya Banjara, chairperson of the organisation and coordinator of the cleanliness campaign, said that the Triveni Cleanliness Campaign was inspired by the Bagmati Cleanliness Mega Campaign. She stressed the need for the support of all bodies and individuals to make the campaign successful.

Nepali Congress Central Member Madhu Prasad Acharya, Provincial Assembly Members Kanchan Chandra Bade and Tirtha Lama, District Coordination Chief Deepak Kumar Gautam, Panauti Municipality Mayor Ram Sharan Bhandari, Deputy Mayor Geeta Banjara and others were present on the occasion.