Funding woes stall Newar Museum in Putalikhet

By Arjun Kafle,Syangja, Jan. 24:The Newar Museum, under construction in Putalikhet, Putalibazar Municipality-3, has been left abandoned. 

The museum, which was to be completed within three years, has remained incomplete for 10 years due to a budget crunch.

Led by Newa: Guthi Putalibazar, construction of the museum began with an estimated cost of Rs. 25.9 million, but it has remained incomplete. Although Rs. 8.5 million was spent from fiscal year 2015/16 to build the physical structure, the necessary infrastructure of the museum could not be completed.

According to the Guthi, an additional budget of Rs. 10 million is now required to complete the museum.  The museum was initiated to promote tourism through the preservation and promotion of the art, culture, rituals, traditions, and identity of the Newar community. Despite covering an area of seven ropani, including five ropani of public land, the museum could not be completed even after 10 years.

The Guthi stated that local residents Motikumari Shrestha and Padmanarayan Shrestha donated nearly two ropani of land free of cost for the construction of the museum. 

Former Guthi chairperson Devendra Kumar Shrestha said that although a two-storey structure with a conference hall, drinking water, and toilet facilities has been built, other infrastructure could not be completed.

Although Putalibazar Municipality, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the Social Development Office have been providing small amounts annually, the funds have mostly been spent on maintenance.

The Guthi said that with a budget of around Rs. 10 million, it would be possible to manage the required infrastructure as well as essential materials to operate the museum. Although the ground floor could accommodate a hall with a capacity of 500 people and the upper floor could house the museum, the lack of funds has left the project in limbo, leading to disappointment among community leaders.

Guthi advisor Ananta Kumar Shrestha said that if the provincial government and the local level show as much interest as the community, the museum could be completed immediately. 

He added that if the museum is completed, it would be easier to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. If tourists traveling along the highway can be encouraged to visit the museum, it would contribute to the development of other tourist destinations in the district as well.