PADT defies Department of Archaeology’s request

Kathmandu, December 17

Pashupati Area Development Trust has given continuity to the construction of concrete footpath in Sleshmantak forest, which lies on the premises of Pashupati Area, ignoring the Department of Archaeology’s request to halt construction work in the area.

According to executive director of Pashupati Area Development Trust Ramesh Kumar Upreti, PADT is constructing a concrete footpath in the area keeping in mind the comfort and safety of the people visiting the area.

“We are committed to conserving the heritage site and we are also equally concerned about attracting more visitors to the area,” said Upreti.

Claiming that the Department of Archaeology hasn’t provided any criteria for construction of the footpath to PADT, Upreti said, “We haven’t felled any tree or destroyed forest area, we are just trying to make it easier for visitors to walk in and around the forest area.”

Similarly, Upreti also said that PADT  had not filed any complaint against activists who were arrested yesterday for pelting stones at the construction site. He further informed that PADT would not stop the construction of concrete footpath in the area.

DA has requested PADT to halt the construction issuing a written statement.