NAWALPARASI, Jan 9: Located in Madi Municipality-1 of Chitwan, the Balmiki Ashram, known as a site from the Ramayana period, has been neglected due to a lack of concrete initiatives for its development and preservation.
Shikhar Subedi, the main priest of the temple located there, said that this site of religious and archaeological significance has been overlooked due to inadequate development and publicity. “The ruins found during excavations carried out after the discovery of the Ashram have also been lost due to the lack of effective preservation measures. Archaeological remains are scattered everywhere around the temple; their preservation and further development are necessary. Special initiatives need to be undertaken by the local and federal governments in this regard,” he said.
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Mayor of Madi Municipality Tara Kumari Mahato said that initiatives are being taken for the conservation, promotion, and development of the Balmiki Ashram temple. She mentioned that although the municipality has planned to develop this area as a religious forest, there is a challenge because it falls within a national park.
Ward Chairman of Madi Municipality-1 Amit Kumar Lama stated that while the ward is working on water supply and toilet facilities, government intervention is necessary for other infrastructure and conservation efforts. He noted that to reach the ashram, people have to travel through Bihar, India. He added that although a footpath was built in the park’s forest a few months ago, challenges still persist. Devotees have raised concerns about the risk of wild animal attacks while using the path.
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