On Friday, some noted public figures, apart from local residents, had tweeted criticizing the KVTDA´s plan to use bulldozers in a historically important area under the pretext of development works. [break]
Devendra Raj Pandey, a noted civil society member, had drawn former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai´s attention to possible demolition of historically important structures in Hadigaun. In response, Bhattarai had said that he had already spoken with the concerned authorities in this regard.
On Saturday, contrary to its previous plan, the KVTDA expanded only Bhimsen Marga, a short road stretch that links Bishalnagar chowk with Krishna Mandir chowk in Hadigaun. According to Bhaikaji Tiwari, Kathmandu Town Development Commissioner of the KVTDA, only frontal portions of two houses and some compound walls were demolished along the Bhimsen Marga. "We did not cause massive damage," said Tiwari. "It´s just a reminder that all houses that encroach roads will be demolished sooner or later."
As for other road stretches in the Hadigaun area, Tiwari said, "We have put on hold our demolition plan following opposition by some local people. But, we will expand all roads as per our standards in the Hadigaun area, too."
Tiwari claimed that rumors about the KVTDA preparing to demolish ancient temples, pati (roadside shelters) and dabalis (raised platforms in public squares) belonging to the Lichchhavi era in Hadigaun area are baseless. "It´s true that we want to expand roads in Hadigaun area, but we do not intend to demolish such ancient public properties."
According to Tiwari, the KVTDA plans to expand a nearly 4-km road stretch from Sano Gaucharan intersection to Chandol through Hadigaun to 5.5 meters on the either side of the road. "We know it is a rich heritage site," said he. "But, we will not touch upon historically important places. Only an insane person can do such stupid thing. We will just remove illegally built structures."
Meanwhile, the local residents of Bhimsen Marga have asked the KVTDA to complete reconstruction work along the widened road stretch in Hadigaun area at the earliest. "It is fine that they (the KVTDA authorities) bulldozed our houses and compound walls, but they should rebuild the widened road as soon as possible. They cannot leave the widened road just like this," said Bharat Shahi, a resident of Bhimsen Marga.
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