By Laxmi Chaudhary, Janakpurdham, Aug. 21: Four historic and religiously significant ponds in Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City are set to be conserved and beautified at an estimated cost of Rs. 650 million.
The Dhanush Sagar, Ram Sagar, Bishahara and Ratna Sagar ponds, which hold religious, cultural and environmental significance, will be restored under a programme proposed by the Project Implementation Unit of the National Resilience and Livelihood Improvement Project under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Janakpurdham Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah said the programme, being implemented at the initiative of the sub-metropolitan city, will focus on environmental conservation, tourism promotion and improving the city’s aesthetic appeal.
He said the restoration programme would help revive Janakpurdham’s cultural heritage while contributing to environmental protection. Local needs and suggestions will also be incorporated alongside the conservation of the historical and cultural heritage, he said.
“These ponds are important not only as religious and cultural heritage sites but also for the city’s ecological balance, tourism and aesthetic appeal,” Sah said. “Their planned conservation and restoration is expected to further strengthen Janakpurdham’s historical identity,” he added.
Initial environmental assessment conducted
A public hearing on the proposed Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the project was held at all four pond sites last Friday. The hearing aimed to assess the potential environmental impacts of the project, discuss mitigation measures and collect suggestions from local stakeholders.
Participants urged the authorities to prioritise environmental protection during the restoration. They suggested planting trees around the ponds, installing water fountains where appropriate, properly storing construction materials and minimising dust, noise and other environmental impacts during construction.
They also stressed that restoration work should not affect the ponds’ original religious and cultural character and called for local communities’ needs and participation to be incorporated into the plans.
The environmental impacts and mitigation measures associated with the restoration of Bishahara Pond were discussed in particular. Stakeholders said religious, cultural, social and environmental aspects should be considered together while restoring Ratna Sagar, Ram Sagar and Dhanush Sagar.
ADB consultant Kul Bhushan Sharma said the ponds and related heritage structures would be repaired and restored without compromising their historical significance.
He said the sites would be made more attractive, functional and environmentally friendly, while suggestions received during the public hearing would be incorporated into the project.
The project aims to conserve, restore and ensure the long-term management of the ponds while giving priority to local participation and suggestions.
Meanwhile, a tender worth Rs.1.65 billion has already been invited for road and drainage construction in Janakpurdham under the first phase of the project, and the bids are currently being evaluated.
The Rising Nepal
