Almost three decades have passed since the UN and the government of Nepal implemented the Master Plan, prepared by Japanese Professor Kenzo Tange, for the development of Lumbini.

The international community of Buddhists and other peace-loving people of the world participated to expedite the development of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Millions of dollars received from various international bodies have been spent in the 770 hectares of land in Lumbini. The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), supposed to be an autonomous, non-governmental and non-profit making organisation, was formed in 1985 to aid the project. It is probably the only project to receive support of the highest number of NGOs/ INGOs and others, belonging to the Buddhist and non-Buddhist religions alike.

Major events such as the First World Buddhist Summit, International Buddhist Conference and Second World Buddhist Summit were held here, which saw the participation of many dignitaries and delegates from more than 40 countries. Hundreds of working papers, articles and books with suggestions for the development of Lumbini Sacred Garden have been published. Researched and studied in great detail, organisations such as UNDP and UNESCO have provided clear and simple working guidelines for its development on a short, medium and long-term basis. But even after 30 years, not even 30 per cent of the plan has been accomplished.

Even the minimum requirement for the visitors — such as toilets, drinking water, areas for meditation, medical help, transportation facility — are not available. It is thus futile to expect the completion of the other major plans like clean drinking water supply, sewerage system, electricity and telecommunication system, construction of pedestrian pathways and auditorium building and other programmes to improve the environment.

Why is the completion of the Master Plan taking so long? Why is the international community withdrawing support? Why do the pilgrims visiting Lumbini stay only for a few hours and return? Why is LDT politicised? Why is the government not giving due respect to the contributions of the learned and honourable people of various countries living in the monastery at Lumbini? All these questions need answers.

The agencies concerned should once again come together and save this religious world heritage site. The LDT’s by-laws, its administrative and financial rules along with its organisational structure should be immediately revised. An independent and professional management system must be allowed to function so as to get the required result in a specified timeframe to regain the lost support of the international community. Professionalism should be encouraged. Lumbini should be autonomous in the true sense with authority over its policies, budget and revenue-generation. It should be a place for achieving peace and tranquillity, free from any kind of political activities and interferences from the side of the government and other bodies.