Alas, The Shelter Is Gone!

People remember that a simple but beautifully designed ready-to-upright metal structure with a roof was erected at footpath, next to the entrance gate of Rotary Club of Kathmandu at Thapathali. Perhaps, the Japanese Government built it while constructing a new bridge over the Bagmati River, connecting Thapathali and Kopundole.

It has four pillars; four beams; and two inward-curved bars resting on the side beams to support and hinge the arched typed two light-passing roof sheets made from especial plastic. It was sheltering commuters and pedestrians alike from the rain and the blazing sun, and had been a waiting place for city bus commuters.

Unfortunately, now the pedestrians and other people cannot take shelter or wait here anymore. Two roof sheets including one of four beams are gone. And, it has turned into a useless and obstructing object there. I can still recall that few years back while I was going to my office, I saw one of the two roof sheets missing. Then another roof sheet disappeared after sometime. And, one beam later. It is but clear by now that rest of it will also disappear from there in few years time without anyone’s notice.

Honestly, it’s time to protect the remaining of this structure. Recover the missing parts from culprits with the help of our Police Department. And, make it a place for seltering and waiting, once again. I believe the Rotary Club of Kathmandu will best serve this purpose for now.

Birendra Dhoj Shrestha
Kuleshwor , Kathmandu