Structures demolished at Balkhu are not of ancient origin: Archeology Department

Kathmandu, May 2: The Department of Archeology has made it clear that the temples and monasteries that were demolished while clearing the structures built by encroaching upon the public lands in Kathmandu are not of ancient significance.     

Saubhagya Pradhananga, the Director General of the Department, told the RSS that the temples demolished during the clearance of such buildings in the Balkhu squatter settlement area were the recent ones and privately owned. He stated that the Department is focused on preserving only those structures that possess historical, religious and cultural significance and are over 100 years old.     

"The Department does not safeguard new or private structures that were constructed 10 to 15 years ago," he added.     

Director General Pradhananga noted that no evidence of ancient importance was confirmed in the demolished structures during the on-site inspection in the Balkhu area.     

However, two idols and an amorphous stone were located at the site. "It was a newly constructed structure coated with cement, and no ancient architectural features were visible," he remarked.     

Pradhananga further mentioned that there has been a growing trend of building new temples and religious infrastructures for the purposes of social unity or identity.(RSS)