Nepal govt tells Pashupatinath temple to remove concrete pavement

Nepal's archaeology department has asked the authorities of the centuries-old Pashupatinath temple to remove the concrete pavement that passes through a forest area enlisted as UNESCO heritage site.

Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, the famed Pashupatinath temple is regarded as the most sacred and oldest temple of Shiva (Pashupati) in Nepal.

The Department of Archaeology (DoA) on Wednesday issued a letter to the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), the body responsible for managing the temple affairs, to remove the concrete pavement from the Sleshmantak Forest corridor, following widespread criticism from the public and cultural experts.

The PADT had blatantly used PCC (commonly Portland Cement) binding construction material composed of cement on the 170-metre pavement that leads to the Bishworup temple from the main promenade through the forest, it said.

The area falls under the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site enlisted in 1997.

"We were now aware about the use of concrete in the area. Using concrete in the protected zone is against the heritage norms. We have already instructed the PADT to remove the PCC," said Bhesh Narayan Dahal, Director General DoA.

The trust had awarded Rs 2.9 million contract to Dharma Yes Nirman Sewa to build the pavement inside the forest area in the temple complex.

"We don't consult with the DoA while making the road," PADT Director Bharat Marasini told reporters.

He said the trust would take a formal decision in the matter once its Member Secretary Pradeep Dhakal returns from foreign trip.

Cultural expert Beena Poudyal said paving the promenade with concrete material was against the archaeological norms.

"It could be because the trust didn't know the negative consequences of using concrete in the forest area which has both historical and natural significance. Paving concrete directly affects the natural vegetation," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered prayers at the Pashupatinath temple and was presented with a miniature replica of the temple during his visit to Nepal in May.