Bhaktapur, May 21:

Lack of people’s representatives and fund crunch has been hindering the reconstruction and expansion of a 238-year-old library in Bhaktapur.

Says Dr Purushottam Lochan Shrestha, an associate professor and researcher of history, culture and archaeology, “Safukotha (Newari term for library) takes people back to around 238 years. According to the Language Chronicles — published by the Nepal National Library under the Department of Archaeology in 1963 — Ranajit Malla collected materials related to chemistry, Tantrasharta, Vedas and Puranas in Safukotha.”

According to Prem Suwal, a former people’s representative and leader of the Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party, “Lack of elected members is hindering the renovation and expansion of the library. Government officials should continue the reconstruction and extension of Safukotha.”

According to him, the municipality acquired land around Safukotha to preserve the historic house and run a well-equipped library in the same place.

“It was also one of the 99 courtyards in Bhaktapur. For the preservation of the historic place, we had planned to purchase the private property six years ago by paying the owners the cost of their property.”

Aruna Nakarmi, project in-charge of the Monuments Conservation and Office of the Caretaker of the Palace Area (MCOCPA), says, “We are not being able to look after Safukotha due to shortage of budget.”

“We are focusing more on the renovation of sites like the Taleju temple and the 55-window palace. Reconstruction of the library will begin next year.”

Says an official at the Heritage Department, “We are working on a concept to renovate Safukotha and use it as a library for public by transferring books from the public library to Safukotha. These days, people from the Kusle community are living in Safukotha

Indra Prasad Karki, executive officer at the Bhaktapur Municipality said, “We would have reconstructed the library if it was on the list of projects.”