Nepalese authorities are racing to remove recently built structures near historically significant areas related to Buddha and the Shakya dynasty. The Department of Archaeology (DoA) has raised concerns that new statues and a cowshed threaten the integrity of these heritage sites.
The DoA has instructed the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and the Kapilvastu Municipality to dismantle the unauthorized structures. According to archaeologists, these constructions endanger valuable historical artifacts and knowledge.
This urgency stems from warnings issued by UNESCO, the United Nations cultural arm. UNESCO designated Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as a World Heritage Site in 1997. However, recent human activity and construction have raised concerns.
Following a 2023 meeting, UNESCO demanded clarification from the LDT regarding ongoing construction projects. The LDT responded before the deadline, but the situation remains critical. Sources within the LDT indicate UNESCO has threatened to place Lumbini on the “Heritage in Danger List,” potentially leading to its removal from the World Heritage Sites list altogether.
Among the disputed structures is a 5,000-seat meeting hall built near the Lumbini-Taulihawa road. Additionally, seventeen statues were erected in Sagarhawa following a national sculpture workshop. The DoA argues that both projects were undertaken without proper assessments and disregard the historical significance of the areas.
Dohanikot, another site of concern, currently houses a cowshed on land believed to contain archaeological treasures. Archaeologists suspect the presence of ancient settlements and warn that waste from the cowshed could damage potential fossil sites.
The DoA emphasizes the importance of Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) before undertaking any activity near historical sites. These assessments evaluate potential damage and guide decisions about construction or development. Unfortunately, such assessments have not been conducted in the Lumbini area.
Nepal now faces the challenge of balancing development with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. The DoA’s intervention highlights the need for stricter regulations and a more cautious approach to construction near historically sensitive areas.