The Week met up with Dr Tondon to talk about some issues regarding PADT.[break]
Did you expect such a decision from the Ministry concerned regarding your reappointment at PADP?
Not at all. That was really surprising for me. Many politicians wanted the post for their own near and dear ones and I don’t enjoy such strong bonding with any political party. So, in this case, this decision was totally unexpected for me.
How did you respond to the decision of the Cabinet meeting?
At first, I was in a dilemma whether or not I should accept it. But after assessing the present conditions at the Pashupatinath Temple complex, which needs various renovation works and conservation efforts, I agreed to accept their proposal.
How are you feeling right now as this is your second inning at the PADT?
I feel a huge sense of responsibility as well as a little bit of awkwardness as this is my second time as member-secretary, and many people may have different negative feelings about me.
How do you describe the present state of the Pashupatinath Temple and its area?
Certainly it’s developing but still some works are yet to be done. For example, 119 houses and shops were closed by PADT in order to make landscapes of the Temple for its devotees.
What are your plans to make PADT more vibrant?
Firstly, I shall review the Master Plan which was prepared by a previous committee and will introduce some variations and may add other different works to it as well.
What kinds of work will be added to the Master Plan?
One would be to manage bus stops around the Pashupatinath Temple. Many devotees can’t visit the Temple because of poor transportation facilities. New and systematic bus stops will provide them huge comfort and good services. Similarly, the historic Bhandarkhal forest, which is in useless state at Siphal, will be maintained and used as a children’s park or for other such purposes. Likewise, a short description about every monument and site will be kept at the Pashupatinath Temple which will be helpful to visitors. These are my plans which will be carried out if the Committee approves of them.
Do you think these plans will be completed in your tenure?
Yes, I do. If the Committee will approve my proposal, we’ll start our works immediately. If everything goes according to our plan, we’ll surely complete these works within four years.
Which of the works will be carried out first by the PADT?
A dharmashala (hospice) will be constructed first for the devotees who come to Nepal only to visit the Pashupatinath Temple. A large number of pilgrims visits the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal but there’s no proper place for them to stay at.
What plan do you have for the road track in the Shleshmantak Forest? Will you close it permanently?
The said track will be closed after our discussion with the stakeholders. There are other places as well where we can construct thoroughfares for people. I’ll present such a proposal during our next meeting. If there’s agreement, we shall start such construction/s.
PADT officials are often blamed for not fully disclosing the total property and assets of the Pashupatinath Temple. Is it true?
I’m not totally against your reported point of view. But such allegations have decreased after the government set down rules and regulations for the heritage site by regulating all the donations and offerings made at the Pashupatinath Temple.
By Pratibha Rawal
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