BANDIPUR, JUNE 23
Bandipur rural municipality has launched a campaign to preserve traditional architecture styled houses with an objective of conserving the local culture, tradition and architecture.
The ancient hill town is also known as 'The Queen of Hills' for its natural beauty and ancient ambience.
Rural Municipality chairperson Surendra Thapa said the unique architectural style of the town was under threat as more and more people have started constructing houses following modern architectural design rather than the traditional one.
The rural municipality has imposed a ban on construction of houses in the modern architectural style, Thapa added.
A typical Bandipur traditional house has intricately carved wooden windows and doors, with a verandah. The brick house is built following the pagoda style.
The Newar communities who migrated to Bandipur from Bhaktapur and Banepa in the 18th century built the Bhaktapur-style houses and the cobbled streets.
"Construction of house in Bandipur is not allowed to install shutters and channel gates, aluminium doors and windows," Thapa shared.
He said arrangements have been made to provide timber at subsidized rate for house construction and to make carved windows and doors, as the Sal (Shorea robusta) timber is very expensive.
The rural municipality has joined hands with the local community forest for the supply of timber.
