KATHMANDU, Dec 8: The Valley Resident Management and Cooperation Committee and Sampada Sanrakshan Samaj Nepal along with Indigenous Newa Political Movement organized a public demonstration and pressure rally demanding the demolition of the Chhaya Center in Thamel and the restoration of Kamal Pokhari, a historic pond in Kathmandu.
The march began at Sundhara, where participants, including local residents, environmentalists, and cultural preservation advocates, gathered with banners and placards reading slogans including ‘Save Kamal Pokhari’ and ‘Demolish Chhaya Center’. The protestors highlighted growing public concern over urban encroachment and the urgent need to protect Kathmandu’s cultural and environmental landmarks.
How Kamalpokhari land morphed into Chhaya Center
The demonstrators marched peacefully through the streets, creating a powerful call to action for the preservation of urban heritage. The rally concluded at the Chhaya Center, a controversial structure accused of encroaching on public land. Protesters urged the authorities to take immediate steps to dismantle the building and revive the historic pond.
Here are some photos of the demonstration taken by Republica’s Photojournalist Dipesh Darshandhari:
