KATHMANDU, Aug 7: The Dharahara Tower, inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, is set to become operational as part of his 100-day achievement program. Oli has directed the Ministry of Urban Development to ensure the tower is fully operational within this timeframe.
According to Kosh Nath Adhikari, under secretary at the Ministry of Urban Development and head of the Central Level Project Implementation Unit, the Dharahara is expected to be operational by the month of Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October). "The physical progress has reached about 96 percent," Adhikari stated.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has also urged the project implementation unit to expedite the completion of the Dharahara. Although Prime Minister Oli inaugurated the tower three years ago, the construction remains incomplete. The project was initially inaugurated on April 24, 2021, but has since faced several delays.
Government officials are still undecided on whether another formal inauguration ceremony will be held. One senior official noted, "Even if there isn’t a formal inauguration, there will likely be a 'commencement of operations' event, with Prime Minister Oli as the chief guest."
The Dharahara Debate
The Ministry of Urban Development is still finalizing the operational procedures for the Dharahara, including whether it will remain under central government control or be handed over to the municipality. A draft of the operational guidelines is currently being prepared.
The Dharahara, which was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, has seen its construction deadline extended for the seventh time due to incomplete work. The final deadline is set for mid-October this year. Despite previous extensions, the project remains unfinished, leading the government to issue a final extension. The foundation stone for the Dharahara was laid on December 27, 2018, under the slogan "Mero Dharahara Mai Banauxu."
The Ministry of Urban Development awarded the construction contract to the GIETC-Raman Construction Joint Venture. Despite six previous extensions, the deadline has been extended for the seventh time. If the work is not completed by mid-October, the ministry plans to cancel the contract agreement.
The original contract was signed on September 30, 2018, for Rs 3.811 billion, excluding VAT. After the seventh extension, the cost has increased by an additional Rs 3.5 billion, excluding VAT.
After the initial contract period expired, a series of extensions were granted: the second on June 30, 2021, for six months; the third on December 25, 2021, for three months and 20 days; the fourth on April 13, 2022, for nine months; the fifth on January 14, 2023, for nine months; the sixth on October 14, 2023, for three months and four days; and the seventh on January 16, 2024.
Natural Water Not Found in Sundhara
Despite extensive efforts, natural water has not been found in Sundhara, according to the head of the project implementation unit. "Until 1995, natural water flowed in Sundhara, but it seems to have stopped after the construction of Kathmandu Mall," the official explained. "Local residents and the metropolitan city authority insist on the necessity of natural water for Sundhara, arguing that deep boring or bringing water from Melamchi is not a viable solution."
Local residents have also insisted that all structures in Sundhara remain in their original positions. However, unit staff have indicated that this may no longer be feasible. "Our study shows water at 40 feet below ground in Sundhara, but the spring is only 12 feet below. How can we bring water from 40 feet below to a spring at 12 feet?" Adhikari added, "We proposed bringing water from 40 feet below ground through deep boring, but the locals reject this solution."
