[It is impossible to renovate and conserve Tilaurakot alone by the effort of local people, says Zuber Ahamed Khan, immediate past chairperson of Tilaurakot Village Development Committee. He says “Tilaurakot is not only the heritage of this district but it is historical site of the world but none has ever shown concern to preserve and conserve it”.]
By: Biz Correspondent on May 04,2007
Tilaurakot, the childhood home of Lord Buddha, lies 25 kilometers west of Lumbini is undoubtedly a major archaeological and tourist site of Nepal
Situated nearby to Shivgarh village of Kapilvastu
Nowadays, there are only three remains left to this place which is situated in the banks of Banganga river, 3 kilometers north of Taulihawa, district headquarters of Kapilvastu. All these three remains are decaying and perishing in the absence of conservation and renovation.
There are three historical sites in Tilaurakot - palace, eastern and western gate. In the absence of conservation, historic and valuable bricks, windows and other remains of the palaces are rotting down day by day. The historic stones and other remains are scattered. Walls of historic palace have collapsed. The palace is turning into a jungle because of trees and bushes.
It is a pity that such important and historic site of Nepal
In the rainy season, water comes to the palace and the western gate which is weakening the construction of archaeological heritage, locals say.
The Tilaurakot palace, 1700 feet long in north south and 1300 feet long in east west, is crumbling and collapsing. Apart from the absence of conservation, there is heap of garbage left by the visiting tourists which is spoiling the beauty and value of the historic site.
It is impossible to renovate and conserve Tilaurakot alone by the effort of local people, says Zuber Ahamed Khan, immediate past chairperson of Tilaurakot Village Development Committee. He says “Tilaurakot is not only the heritage of this district but it is historical site of the world but none has ever shown concern to preserve and conserve it”.
Khan also expressed dissatisfaction saying that even his visiting to District Development Committee and Ministry couldn’t produce any fruitful results.
People visit here for peace and to get inspiration, but whoever visits this place becomes sad and sorry seeing the pathetic condition of one of the important places of the life of Lord Buddha.
Local stake holders and the residents say government has to develop this place which is able to disseminate the message of peace and harmony across the world.
Tourists and visitors even don’t know the importance and value of this historic site because local guides are not available in this place. Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), which is 25 kilometers away from Tilaurakot, is also passive towards the renovation and development of it. Due to the politics in LDT it has been difficult to conserve and preserve Tilaurakot, local people say.
Ramesh Sharma, immediate past president of DDC says the government hasn’t initiated any efforts to develop Tilaurakot.
“Government and ministers are always concerned about, they don’t care for Tilaurakot so this site is always ignored”, Sharma adds.
This place is frequently visited by the high level government officials and the ministers who always show their commitment to preserve and develop this place but once they return they forget about this place. Their commitment is always expressed in speeches and words not in works.
If not preserved and conserved in time, this valuable and important place of Nepal
