CHITWAN, Dec 19: The Dhurmus Suntali Foundation, a social organisation established by comedians Sitaram Kattel and Kunjana Ghimire, which has taken the charge of the construction of Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium, has started selling fruits, nuts, bottled water and readymade snacks in a bid to collect funds to support the project.

Kattel is known by the name 'Dhurmus' and Ghimire by the name 'Suntali' in their comedy show on television. The comedian couple has set up the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation and is carrying out various social service activities through it. The Fundation has constructed houses for the people affected by the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake and for the Musahar community, an economically poor and underprivileged dalit community in the Tarai.

Now the Foundation is undertaking the construction of the stadium. A food-stall has been set up in the premises of the project site at Rampur in West Chitwan district, and those visiting the project to observe and see the surroundings through a view tower there are target customers. "We have resorted to this move in hopes that we could collect funds and support the project.

The food-stall has come into operation from past Sunday. We saved Rs 3,300 on Monday alone. We will also offer food items like Momo and Chow Mein," said Kattel, the Foundation chairperson. People also throng the project site to watch through a view tower.

On a single day previously, as many as 2,200 people purchased tickets to watch through the view tower, he said. A ticket is bought for Rs 20. Lately, the project site has become a main visit attraction for students, cooperatives and mother's groups. The project's estimated cost is Rs 2.5 billion. Labour donation and donation of other necessary equipment for the project would cut the estimated cost, said the Foundation.

Out of Rs 80 million promised by many quarters, only Rs 10 million has been collected so far, said Kattel, adding that Rs 30 million in donation has also been raised for the project so far except the pledged donation.

 
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