Kathmandu, July 31:

The Naxal Dhungedhara — a monument built during the Lichchhavi period — has turned into

a cesspool due to clogged drains around it. Moreover, garbage dumped outside its gate has endangered the historical monument.

Water in the three stone water spouts — that were earlier the source of water for people of the surrounding areas — dried up four years ago.

The Dhungedhara area, spread on four annas of land, has many small idols, but as there is no water outlet, the statues are submerged in water that has accumulated in the Dhungedhara.

Prem Kumari Shrestha, who lives near the Dhungedhara, said, “We used to drink water from the sprouts until some years back and people from different parts of Kathmandu used to come here to fetch water.”

Earlier, water from the Dhungedhara used to pass through an underground drainage system.

However, the drains were blocked some two months ago and since then rainwater has been accumulating in the Dhungedhara.

Who’s looking into it?

We lack expertise and have no idea what to do about the dried up water sources. Moreover, due to financial constraints we are not able to clear the drains immediately. We will, however, clear the drains “very soon.” The locals also need to be aware of their responsibilities and keep the city areas clean. Garbage is lifted every morning, but there is a heap of it lying there by evening. We are trying to spread awareness among locals.

Rajesh Shrestha, secretary, KMC Ward No 1

What’s fixed?

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 31: Lokanthali folk have recently renovated the Dakshinkali temple in

their locality. The temple, built by a local 100 years ago, was in a dilapidated state for

many years. Originally built on 8 annas of land, the temple currently stands on only five annas of land due to encroachment.

The locals formed the Dakshinkali Area Improvement Committee (DAIC) and started renovating the temple.

“As the Gajur of the temple was damaged in 2000, we decided to renovate it and conserve the temple of archaeological importance,” DAIC chairperson Nani Babu Khadka said.

Madhyapur Thimi municipality chipped in with Rs 45,000 and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) donated Rs 200,000 for the renovation.

The committee has also fenced the area around the temple. Khadka said many invaluable idols were stolen as there were no fences around the temple.