BAGLUNG: Infrastructure development has been accelerated at ‘Blue Hill’ in Baglung Municipality–9, a pride project of Baglung Municipality. Construction is progressing rapidly, with physical infrastructure worth Rs 25 million expected to be completed by July.
Previously, the municipality spent Rs 7 million on land leveling and the construction of toilets and related facilities. The hillock was named ‘Blue Hill’ with the aim of developing it into a tourist destination, as it offers panoramic views of Baglung Bazaar and nearly two dozen mountain ranges.
Infrastructure development to transform Blue Hill into a religious and tourist destination began last year. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), infrastructure worth Rs 250 million is planned for the site.
Ward Chair of Baglung–9, Raju Thapa, said that work worth Rs 7 million was carried out in the first phase last year, while infrastructure worth Rs 25 million is under construction in the second phase during the current fiscal year. He added that work is currently underway to build a two-storey concrete structure to house a 20-foot Shiva statue planned for the site.
Baglung Municipality has been allocating funds to develop Blue Hill into a major tourist attraction. This year, a construction company has been assigned to build the Shiva statue and supporting infrastructure under the Rs 25 million project. The municipality stated that the objective is to attract tourists by integrating religious infrastructure with the area’s natural beauty.
A detailed project report was prepared last year after the municipality declared Blue Hill a pride project, and work began soon after. Ward Chair Thapa said the municipality has made significant investments to promote the site as a religious and nature-based tourist destination.
“We aim to attract religious tourists and nature lovers by installing a Shiva statue on the hill. Additional infrastructure will be developed gradually, but improving the access road remains a priority,” he said.
According to the DPR, which estimates total development costs at Rs 245.62 million, several facilities have already been completed, including land leveling, boundary walls, a pavilion, and toilets. Planned infrastructure includes a forest picnic area, meditation center, scenic viewpoints, gym hall, temple, parking facilities, and other amenities.
Baglung Municipality Mayor Basanta Kumar Shrestha said the municipality is making substantial investments from its internal budget to promote Blue Hill as a prime destination for domestic tourism. He expressed confidence that the development of religious and tourism infrastructure would draw a significant number of visitors.
“The hill has immense tourism potential. It is naturally green and offers stunning views of Baglung Bazaar and surrounding mountain ranges,” Mayor Shrestha said. “By combining nature and religion, we aim to attract both domestic and international tourists. On clear days, visitors can see Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and more than two dozen other peaks.”
Located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters above sea level, Blue Hill has begun gaining popularity following the initiation of infrastructure development. However, according to the DPR, the full completion of the project will take time.
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