KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal has failed to accommodate Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, in the list of 100 touristic destinations despite its historical and cultural significance.

A hub for tourists, and historically rich in Nepali culture and arts, Basantapur Durbar Square has failed to draw the government’s attention to be enlisted as Nepal’s 100 touristic destinations.

The question is: Did the government ignore its historically and culturally rich structures, courtyards, and monuments at a time when the government is all set to observe 2020 as Nepal Visit Year with an aim to attract around 2 million tourists?

The government has specified 100 touristic sites, sans Basantapur Durbar Square, in its budget speech of fiscal year 2019/20 for the promotion of tourism. It has, however, recognized seven sites, including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Narayanhity, Bouddhanath, Chandragiri, Sundarijal, and Budanilakantha, from the Kathmandu Valley alone.

These sites, according to the government, would be equipped with basic facilities such as logistics and transportation.

The government has enlisted three temples, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Bouddhanath from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, while it has enlisted Chandragiri from the Chandragiri Municipality, Sundarijal from Gokarneswor Municipality, and Budanilakantha from Budanilakantha Municipality.

According to Ghanashyam Upadhayaya, Spokesperson and Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Aviation, the list of touristic sites was finalized by the ministerial level.

“The issue of Basantapur Durbar Square has come to our notice,” he said, however, adding that several such sites within the Kathmandu Valley have been overlooked.

According to Upadhyaya, Basantapur Durbar Square needs to be enlisted as it holds historical and cultural importance.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Ishwor Man Dangol termed the decision as a mistake, which he argued that Basantapur has to be incorporated in the list.

“We will soon hold talks with Yogesh Bhattarai, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Aviation and take up the issue,” he told Khabarhub.

According to Dangol, the KMC will soon draw the attention of Minister Bhattarai in this regard and would urge him to revise the list.

Tourists who visit Kathmandu could never understand the originality of the district without visiting the Basantapur Durbar Square, he added.