KATHMANDU: The Heritage Conservation Society (Sampada Samrakchhan Samaj) staged a protest in Kathmandu on Sunday, calling for the demolition of the 15-storey Chhayadevi Complex in Thamel.
The demonstration took place in Sundhara, where protesters argued that the commercial building had been constructed by encroaching on a historic public pond.
They called for the preservation of the pond and the restoration of the area’s cultural heritage.
Protesters also demanded accountability for those responsible for erasing Lichchhavi-era heritage and urged the government to reclaim and protect the affected historical sites.
The demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as “Boycott Chhayadevi Complex, Restore Kamal Pokhari” and “All Nepalis are united in the heritage conservation campaign.”
Conservationists argue that the Chhayadevi Complex was built over the historical Kamal Pokhari, which is part of the Bikramsheel Mahavihar heritage site.
They claim the complex was constructed using materials from the pond and its surrounding areas.
While a case on the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, the Society remains hopeful that the court will deliver justice by ensuring the preservation of the country’s invaluable heritage.
Comment