Retracing history

KATHMANDU, AUG 28 - Kathmandu Valley has so far served as a vibrant symbol of Nepali art, culture and architecture. But increasingly, the Valley has gained distinction for becoming a sore sight for the senses; a poorly-managed transport system, encroachment of open public spaces, ill-conceived housing developments, rapid increase in pollution, scarcity of water, and the drainage seeping into rivers, have all contributed to the conversion of a once-pristine city into one of the most chaotic in the world.

It was to address these issues that the Indian Cultural Centre organised a talk show by famed architect Biresh Shah on the topic ‘Imagining the Contemporary City’ on August 24 at the Durbar Hall in Balmandir. Shah retraced the history of the Valley— particularly to do with archaeological structures—through old photographs and maps. “For more improved and systematic development, the public and the private sector need to join hands, something that is not seen in Nepal,” Shah said. “The public sector is too occupied in investing in residential buildings, malls, hotels and other commercial enterprises, and very little attention is paid to significant areas like education or health.” Shah talked about how public areas like Ratna Park, the Katunje area in Bhaktapur and Narayan Chowr, among others, are in a dismal state today.

As for shortcomings to do with the city’s road networks, and the problems arising therein, Shah blamed them on the initial construction plans of the Ring Road in the early 70s. “When the Chinese government built the road back then, the planning didn’t take into account the way Kathmandu would eventually evolve,” Shah explained. But he was hopeful that there would be a solution in the government’s concept of the ‘outer ring road’ and the fast-track route, which he said were more “scientific”. Another way in which our city is suffering a loss, according to Shah, is in our inability to preserve cultural heritage in its various forms. “No public auditoriums or similar facilities have been created in the last four decades, and space is becoming a fast- disappearing commodity in the Valley.” In terms of solutions, Shah said the problem necessitated collective efforts, not just those of individual parties or the government. He called for more seriousness in tacking the issue, deeming it one that arose not because of a lack of resources but because of a lack of proper vision.

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