Kathmandu, September 6

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has formed a task force to conduct feasibility study for the construction of proposed Earthquake Memorial Park in Kathmandu.

The government and the KMC have been looking for an appropriate location for the construction of the memorial park in the vicinity of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. The Post Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction Policy, 2015, envisages “an Earthquake Memorial Park in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate those killed or injured in the April 25 earthquake.”

Construction of an Earthquake Memorial Museum on the premises of the memorial park is also being mooted as per the guidelines of the 26th council of the metropolis announced in July.

Rudra Singh Tamang, executive officer at the KMC, has formed an expert-team to conduct a feasibility study for the earthquake memorial in a bid to preserve and showcase architectural heritages, arts as well as artifacts ravaged by the earthquake.

Tamang informed that the premise of Hanumandhoka-based old Metropolitan Police Range was being considered as a possible location for the park. “The task force will conduct research on three different alternative locations, including Durbar Square,” Tamang said, stressing that the task was challenging, time-consuming and expensive.

He went on to say that preparing a Detailed Project Report, its implementation, modality and ownership issues were likely to delay the project. “The park may be constructed either the government or the KMC under private or public-private partnership model,” he said.

The park is expected to serve as a historic symbol that will remind the future generations of the devastating earthquake and destruction. “The memorial park and the museum will enhance public awareness regarding quake safety measures,” Tamang said.