KATHMANDU, June 10: The fall of Dharahara on April 25 symbolized the enormity of the earthquake that day. Arguably the most significant landmark of the Capital, the nine-story tower along with messages like 'Pray for Nepal' and 'We will bounce back again' started being circulated widely in social media. Many artists have expressed their love for Dharahara by painting the historic tower on canvas, or building miniature Dharahara.
Last Sunday, the news of 32-year-old Raj Kumar Lama from Melamchi making a replica of Dharahara near Sundhara in memory of the great quake made headlines, making the tower the talk of the town once again. While some opine that Dharahara should be rebuilt as soon as possible to signify that Nepal can really bounce back from the disaster, others argue that it should not top the list of priorities at the moment while many fellow Nepalis are homeless and suffering from hunger.
Let’s live and let live
We asked some youth what Dharahara meant to them and how it should be rebuilt. Here's what they had to say.
Biplab Subedi, 29
IT Entrepreneur
Dharahara was an icon of our great tradition, a piece of our grand history and the pride of our nation. It was in many ways one of Kathmandu's main attraction. Now that the earthquake has brought it down, we must find a way to erect it back.
However, with proper engineering, we must make it earthquake resistant this time. The responsibility of rebuilding Dharahara, I believe, should be given to the government. Since it's a mega project, it should receive the government's maximum attention. Moreover, it's the government who has the budget for such kind of project. It's no secret that our government does not wholly use the annual budget, so that money can be used for the rebuilding I suppose.
Faija Parween, 20
Operation Director, Open Space Nepal
While I walk in the lanes of Sundhara, I often go to the site to take a glimpse of the fallen Dharahara, stupidly yearning to get surprised to find it tall. For me Dharahara is a beautiful memory. I had climbed the tower around five years ago with my family. Today I thank god I did, because the sight clearly was too beautiful to miss. From the top, I remember seeing Kathmandu and the variety of people that live here—a beggar, a couple, people quarreling, friends laughing, children merrily walking around with their parents, and so much more all at the same time.
I hope Dharahara will be rebuilt soon, because I feel everyone should get the chance to go up there and experience the magnanimous scenery. Of course there is historical significance attached to it too, which makes rebuilding it all very important.
Hari Krishna Poudel, 22
Student, National College, Centre for development
Right now, we need to focus on people who are starving and work towards rebuilding their homes instead. I'm not opposing to people who say Dharahara should be rebuilt but if it's going to be, then it should be done at a later date.
Further, it's pretty confusing for me to decide whether Dharahara really was that important for us or not. If it was really so, then we probably would have refrained from building taller infrastructures surrounding it. Dharahara first gained popularity for being the tallest buildings in Kathmandu, the other taller buildings surrounding it pretty much marred its significance. Hence, I feel, at this moment, the priority should be in something else.
Jamuna Nagarkoti, 19
Student, Niten Memorial School
Needless to mention, Dharahara was a prestigious site for us. It was a proud symbol of Nepal and said a lot about the country it stood in. It portrayed our history and our culture in the most spectacular manner. It was also one of the major tourist attractions. When I heard about its fall, I was heartbroken and immediately regretting not climbing it. It's certainly a great fate for me and the country to be able to witness Dharahara stand tall again. I want to be able to climb it and observer the beautiful scenery. I think rebuilding Dharahara is a great decision; but of course it should be earthquake resistant and should only be rebuilt if there aren't other immediate priorities.