Modern materials replace wooden roofs in Kalikot

By Prem Raj Simkhada,Kalikot, Dec. 22: The traditional appeal of Karnali's settlements, usually constructed with locally available materials, is slowly disappearing as modern construction materials and techniques become more common.

Once identical to heritage and sustainability, these indigenous designs are now being replaced by corrugated zinc sheets, marking a significant shift in the region’s architectural landscape.

Previously, most of the houses in Tilagufa Municipality of the district had wooden roofs. Now, they are being replaced by zinc sheets. In Ward No. 3 of Tilagufa, traditional houses used locally cut stone, white kaolin clay, or lime mortar for walls, while porches were decorated with large, flat stone slabs. 

Doorways were coated with red clay as part of a tradition that is now fading. As these customs disappear, the villages are beginning to lose their distinct charm.

Elderly residents of Phoi Mahadev shared their memories of the past. Wooden roofs were built to cope with heavy snowfall, allowing snow to melt quickly. According to local resident Ain Bahadur Shahi, the large, flat stone slabs used in construction helped to retain warmth, but wooden roofs were essential to endure prolonged snowfall. When fires were lit inside homes, the smoke would help melt snow accumulated on the roofs.

In the past, bringing corrugated sheets from distant towns like Rajapur, Nepalgunj or Rupaidia was impractical. However, the shift to metal roofs has altered the aesthetic of the village. “From a distance, all you see are blue roofs,” said Shahi said, highlighting the negative impact of development on the area's beauty.

Shahi also said that while corrugated sheets are cost-effective, they lack warmth and durability. He urged local governments to pay special attention to preserving the traditional identity of these villages and to protect the historical value of old structures for future generations and tourism.

Local youth Jeevan Shahi said that while traditional wooden and stone houses are visually attractive, deforestation and a lack of skilled labour have led to the decline of these practices. “We are focused on building new homes without much thought about preserving the future or the strength of older structures,” he said.

Basmati Shahi, a health worker in Phoi, observed stark differences between living in wooden-roofed homes, those with corrugated sheets and cement-based houses. “Wooden homes remain warm during snowfall, while other types feel cold even in spring. Cement houses, in particular, pose health risks in the Himalayan climate,” she explained.

Elders in the village express their dissatisfaction, saying the replacement of traditional wooden roofs makes the settlements look lifeless.