The government had built the traffic island and decorated it as part of the city beautification project at the cost of Rs 14 million.
"The bushes are fast destroying the plants on the island. But Nepal Telecom, which is maintaining the patch, has done nothing to prevent the overgrowth," said Bhai Kaji Tiwari, district commissioner of Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA).The government had assigned KVDA to carry out plantation work along the road section during the SAARC Summit. After the summit, KVDA had handed over the responsibility of maintaining the island to NT upon the latter's request.
But NT has remained negligent regarding the upkeep of the island. To maintain the 3-kilometer traffic island on either side of the road, NT has hired only four gardeners, which is not enough, say KVDA officials. To make matters worse, the gardeners do not work regularly.
At least, 10 to 12 people should be employed for the regular upkeep of the plants, says Tiwari, adding, "Telecom was quick to erect its advertising boards on the island but has not been as sincere toward its upkeep," criticized Tiwari. He said that if the NT cannot maintain the island, it should inform the government handover the responsibility to another authority.
Niraj Bajracharya, an official at NT responsible for maintaining the island, said they are planning to hire another company for the traffic island's upkeep.
He, however, denied negligence in the upkeep of plants on the island. "Our gardeners are working regularly. Weeds have grown because of frequent rainfall this month. We will clear the weeds as soon as possible," he said.
Currently, NT is watering the plants using Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) office's water truck.
Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudel has directed NT to maintain the island properly.
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