Model Tharugram falls into ruin in 17 years

By Our Correspondent,Dang, May 24: A row of houses stands side by side, their roofs mostly covered with straw, though some have rusty tin sheets. The mud walls show signs of wear with noticeable cracks. Overgrown grass and bushes fill the courtyards.

Established 17 years ago, the Namuna Tharugram in Sisahaniya, Ghorahi Sub Metropolitan City-7, has now completely been deteriorated. Initially set up by the then District Development Committee to reflect the identity of the Tharu community, the Tharugram has fallen into ruin. Bojhlal Tharu, former chairperson of the Tharugram Operation Committee, said that the lack of government support has led to the deterioration of Tharugram.

He shared that the Namuna Tharugram operated well for about six years after its establishment but was shut down due to financial constraints. The then District Development Committee had invested Rs. 315,000 to establish the Tharugram to preserve the traditional houses, utensils, attire, art and culture of the Tharu community. 

Former chairperson Bhojlal Tharu stated that Tharugram spreads over approximately five bighas of land, including the construction of five traditional Tharu houses along with a museum to showcase the community’s heritage.

He stated that due to the local government’s lack of attention to preservation and operation, the Namuna Tharugram has now been abandoned. He further added that the younger generation’s lack of interest in their own culture has contributed to the infrastructure of the Tharugram falling into a neglected state. Although the initial efforts to preserve the traditional houses, art and culture of the Tharu community were commendable, the lack of government attention in recent times has resulted in the ruin.

According to him, in addition to the traditional house construction of the Tharu community, various paintings related to the Tharu people were also created on the walls. “The walls contained the pictures of horses, elephants, crab and inside the house, there were items like Dheki for threshing rice, Chakya for grinding flour, Dehri for storing paddy, Kuthali for storing rice, Kol for pressing oil and bhauka for keeping clothes,” he said. ‘But now, all these items, along with the paintings, have disappeared.

He stated that while establishing the Tharu village, an agreement was made to set up a Tharu museum and construct structures like a green park, but the District Development Committee did not provide support as per the agreement.

Khopiram Chaudhary, the ward chairperson of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City Ward No. 7, stated that the Tharu village has been deserted due to the negligence of the locals.