Neglected monuments within Dharahara complex

Kathmandu, Feb. 20: Hundreds of visitors have been visiting the new 22-storey Dharahara Tower daily since it was open to the public a few months ago. 

However, on both sides of the newly constructed Dharahara, two historical monuments are still awaiting preservation and renovation. When the entire area has been decorated with artificial water fountains and structures, the historic natural water spout, Sundhara, and the remains of the old Dharahara have been eyesores as they have not been repaired.

This neglect persists even though the new Dharahara reconstruction project is nearing completion. 

Sundhara, the historical water spout that showcases magnificent artistry and masterful engineering in Kathmandu, is now left in an abandoned condition. Its former glory was lost when the spout dried up in 2005 following the construction of Kathmandu Mall. The situation worsened after the earthquake of 2015, in which the od Dharahara collapsed killing scores of people. Sundhara serves as a prime example of how modern development leads to the destruction of an important heritage site. 

Recalling the earlier commitment of the then National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), Ganapati Lal Shrestha, a local activist, stated that locals agreed to build the new Dharahara project after the NRA promised to prioritise the preservation of Sundhara and the remains of the broken old Dharahara.  

But this did not happen, he complained. “The other structures of the project are almost complete while Sundhara and the old Dharahara remain in the same neglected condition.”

The NRA had announced a plan to renovate the spout and restore the water supply in conjunction with the construction of the new Dharahara. 

However, this was not fulfilled. The NRA’s term expired on December 24, 2021. Sundhara, built by Queen Lalita Tripurasundari Devi in 1885 BS, remains neglected to date.

A couple of years ago, locals formed a struggle committee for the renovation of Sundhara after the contractor company damaged its major water channel. 

A few years ago, Chini Kaji Maharjan, the Chairman of Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Ward No. 22, had stated that Sundhara would be revived. 

However, no visible progress has been made, and the ward representatives have ceased to show concern about reviving Sundhara. Sundhara’s repair work got stalled due to unresolved disputes over the release of water into Sundhara within the Dharahara complex.

Former Project Director of the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU) of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Ministry of Urban Development, Kosh Nath Adhikari, during his tenure repeatedly stated that the locals persistently demanded restoration of the natural water flow in Sundhara.  

Saubhagya Pradhananga, Chief of the Department of Archaeology (DoA), had consistently maintained that the department was willing to take the initiative in preserving both Sundhara and the remains of the old Dharahara if CLPIU sends the working plan and budget proposal. However, this did not materialise by the end of the project.  

The CLPIU is now handling the preservation task of both monuments. 

Initially, for the preservation of the remains of the old Dharahara, a plan was proposed to enclose the remaining parts of the historic structure within a glass frame. However, this plan was abandoned as locals and heritage archaeologists opposed the plan.

Following expert suggestions, the CLPIU had considered preserving the remains of Dharahara using chemical treatment which would protect the remains for up to 20 years. 

An official clarified that the preservation delay was caused by the department's refusal to grant permission to proceed, despite multiple requests.

When asked about the current progress of preserving Sundhara and the remains of the old Dharahara, Prakash Aryal, Acting Project Director of CLPIU, said, “I am not updated on the issue and will need a few days to provide an update.” 

Archaeologist Prakash Darnal emphasised that such historical monuments should not be left in an abandoned state.