Laudable Work
THE temple of Lord Pashupatinath and its surrounding areas
are not only of religious significance but they carry their own unique cultural,
historical and archaeological identity. It is also listed as one of the World Heritage
Sites. There are many theories suggesting the construction of the holy temple at the site
beside the sacred Bagmati River. Pashupatinath Temple and the premises with hosts of other
temples has been the converging religious site for the millions of Hindus all over the
world. Nepal is proud that the temple of such significance lies in Nepal. Every pious
person has a desire to visit and pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath at least once in his/her
lifetime. For such an important religious site the infrastructures must be in place. These
include the repair, maintenance and renovation of the hundreds of temples and other
structures spread around the Pashupati area. It needs no reiteration that efforts at
maintaining the sanctity of the site has been top priority since ages. With the
realisation for the need to maintain the Pashupati area as per its religious significance
and stop encroachment resulting from the rapid urbanisation in Kathmandu, the Pashupati
Area Development Trust (PADT) was formed. Since PADT was formed, many development
activities have been carried out in the area albeit a piece at a time.
Though late, the PADT has now swung into action to restore
the glory of the Pashupati area. It has 20 programmes lined up according to the ten-year
master plan implemented in 1998.Under the first phase the unauthorised people living in
the various patis and sattals were shifted while 110 out of the 119 houses in the core
areas of the temple complex have been demolished and the residents compensated for. The
effort of PADT at sprucing up the holy area has attracted attention from all quarters
including that of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba himself. Prime Minister Deuba, while
on an inspection of the works being carried out by PADT, the other day, said that the
government was behind the efforts of the activities carried out by PADT for the
preservation of the heritage of historical and archeological importance. Being dependent
on the government to run its programmes, the PADT has said that it would work to generate
and utilise its own income. The costs for maintaining the glory of Pashupati Area is
daunting but PADT has shown its commitment which means much. The Bagmati river has been
cleaned, much renovation works have been carried out and many activities streamlined. Now,
the pilgrims who flock to the temple of Lord Pashupatinath to pay homage will see a sea
change so that their pilgrimage to the temple will be facilitated. Definitely, optimism
prevails.
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