Lumbini, September 25

The National Assembly's Committee on Federal Strengthening and National Concerns held discussions with stakeholders to gather updates on the progress of the implementation of the Lumbini Master Plan, a project of national pride initiated by the government.

The committee, led by its chairperson Hon. Sonam Gelgen Sherpa, visited Lumbini on Monday to assess the implementation of the Master Plan. During the discussion, Sherpa highlighted the budget constraints hindering the project and emphasized the need to amend the Lumbini Development Trust Act of 1985 (2042 B.S.) to facilitate the expansion of the Greater Lumbini Area. He also expressed concern about the challenges encountered during the execution of the Master Plan and the deviation from the original plan, alongside the local community's demands. Sherpa assured that further discussions with relevant parties would be conducted to draft a report. He stressed that both Lumbini and Mount Everest represent Nepal’s identity, urging everyone to fulfill their responsibilities.

Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), Vice-Chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust, shared that the federal government’s failure to provide the necessary budget has made it difficult to complete the Master Plan. Although the officials are striving to implement the plan and enhance spiritual activities in Lumbini, the outdated provisions of the Trust's Act have posed limitations. Lama also mentioned the growing concerns of hoteliers and locals regarding various issues, assuring them that their concerns are being taken seriously, and emphasized the need to promote Lumbini as a destination for tourists. He noted that the murder of a Japanese guru during the construction of the Peace Pagoda had sent a negative message to the global Buddhist community. Lama emphasized that only through collaboration among local governments, hoteliers, and the community could Lumbini be preserved.

Expressing his dedication to developing Lumbini, Lama warned that without collective support, the site's global significance and prestige would diminish. Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the Trust, reported that approximately 85% of the Master Plan's work has been completed. However, due to the lack of allocated funds, progress has slowed. Shakya revealed that while there was a funding requirement of 490 million NPR for fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24), only 440 million NPR was released. He added that budget shortages have also affected archaeological excavations and the presentation of important sites in Ramgram, Devdaha, and Tilaurakot, alongside Lumbini.

During the discussion, Deputy Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Kalpana Harijan, proposed the amendment of the Act to include the participation of local, provincial, and federal representatives, as per local demands.

 

Other participants, including Purushottam Aryal, General Secretary of the Lumbini Hotel Association, Khim Shrestha, Advisor to the Association, Ahmad Khan, member of the Judicial Committee of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, and Akram Khan, Coordinator of the Save Lumbini Campaign, stressed the importance of reviving the spiritual atmosphere in Lumbini.

The program was attended by Committee Secretary Sita Wagle Kafle, National Assembly members Rajendralakshmi Gaire, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Jag Prasad Sharma, and Lumbini Development Trust Treasurer Dhundiraj Bhattarai. The parliamentary team also visited the Mayadevi Temple and inspected other construction sites under the Master Plan.