By Nisha Rai, Dharan, July.1: Built through voluntary community labour, donor support and municipal funding, the Shram Sanskriti Park has emerged as one of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City’s leading tourist attractions, generating more than Rs. 11.9 million in revenue within a year.
Located along the Khahare stream on the border of Wards 13 and 20, the park has become a model of participatory development, demonstrating how citizen involvement can contribute to both economic growth and community infrastructure.
According to the Dharan Sub-metropolitan city’s audit report, the park generated Rs. 11.924 million in revenue by the third week of the current fiscal year 2025/26. During the same period, Rs. 4.486 million was spent on its operation and management.
Acting Mayor Aindra Bikram Begha said the sub-metropolitan city has continued to protect, manage and maintain the park since its establishment. He added that locals have contributed between 10 and 60 per cent of the labour and financial investment required for the construction of most roads and other infrastructure projects in Dharan.
Constructed through a volunteer labour campaign, the Shram Sanskriti Park features attractions such as the Rock Garden, Rose Garden and Gorkha Chautari, making it increasingly popular among both domestic and external visitors.
Rasik Limbu, a local who has volunteered in the park’s construction, said hundreds of visitors flock to the park on public holidays and weekends.
“A few years ago, this area was deserted. Now it has become one of Dharan’s main tourist destinations. Families come here to spend time together and take photographs. It is a matter of pride to see the results of our own hard work,” he said.
According to local campaigners involved since the beginning, the park has achieved its present form through the combined efforts of locals, support from various organisations and a strong spirit of community cooperation.
Rajat Basnet, who travelled from Birtamod in Jhapa to visit the park, said he had learned about it through social media.
He said the park’s greenery, pleasant environment and well-designed structures impressed him, adding that more effective promotion could further strengthen Dharan’s tourism industry.
Local trader Sajana Magar said infrastructure developed through volunteer labour has eased the financial burden on the local government while also benefiting small businesses, auto-rickshaw operators and safari vehicle services.
“When citizens contribute voluntary labour to projects that would otherwise have to be financed entirely by the government, public funds are saved. People also develop a greater sense of ownership over places they have helped build through their own labour and investment,” she said.
Locals say the volunteer labour movement has encouraged greater public participation in development and has established Dharan as a model for innovative local governance.
The Rising Nepal
