Renovate Heritage Village

Nepal is a home to numerous historical settlements, with villages like Thehe in the remote hills of Simkot Rural Municipality, which hold architectural and cultural values. These sites offer invaluable insights into the past, which reflect unique traditional designs that have withstood the test of time. But it is concerning how can the country preserve its archaeological legacy without compromising the quality of life for its residents. The village, featuring closely located houses permitting movement between one roof and another, offers a view into Nepal’s vast architectural legacies. The buildings made of stones, rubble, wood, and straws have shown resistance to earthquakes because of their wooden reinforcements. Archaeologically, these settlements are living museums that illustrate century-old construction methods demonstrating their ancestors' wisdom. 

However, it appears costly for the locals to continue to live in these traditional houses.  One of the major disadvantages of heritage conservation in such settings is the lack of modernisation. The residents, for example, are confronted with overcrowding as consecutive generations are forced to occupy, in one form or another, overlapping dwellings because of cultural and religious barriers to building new ones. The lack of space leads to privacy problems, making families need to split rooms among siblings. Dwellers, particularly cattle, have a hard time due to the gridded structure. Basic infrastructure is a serious concern in such places. 

The settlement, as do most, does not have an adequate water supply and drainage system, so daily living is a forge of challenges. In the monsoon season, the narrow streets become mud tracks, generating various health hazards. In the absence of sanitation, inhabitants suffer an increasing threat from a lack of hygiene. Further, renovation or reconditioning of old houses is very cumbersome. For example, in Thehe, the homeowner must first apply for permission from the neighbours if they wish to make any change. Because this is a factor of architectural coherence, it is tough for families to become better off. 

Beyond architectural challenges, cultural traditions also pose concerns. In Thehe and similar settlements, menstruating and postpartum women are still isolated in cowsheds, a practice that endangers their health and well-being. The people should not be subjected to unhealthy and crammed settlements just for the sake of heritage preservation.  Of course, tradition is valuable, it should not be maintained at the cost of human rights and dignity. These historic settlements should be equipped with modern amenities. Reforming such harmful customs should be an integral part of modernising heritage villages.  The important archaeological information plays a role in preserving national identity. 

However, their management must incorporate sustainable solutions. Notably, authorities should implement measures that permit managed restoration, enhanced sanitisation, and environmentally friendly housing solutions by balancing heritage with human needs. Instead of forcing residents to choose between heritage and comfort, the concerned authorities must adopt a model that harmonises conservation with advancement. The challenges, faced by Thehe, can also be traced in similar settlements in many parts of the country. The government should adopt a balanced and holistic approach so that the modernity and anciently co-exists side by side.