Planned development of Lumbini hangs in limbo

Endeavors made for the development of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha who is also known as the apostle of peace has just been limited to paperwork, state-owned news agency RSS reports.

The 15-year Lumbini Master Plan that was conceptualized by Japanese architect Prof. Kenjo Tange in 1996 is yet to materialise.

Lumbini having great religious importance could be developed as a holy shrine for the Buddhists like Jerusalem for Jesus and Mecca Madina for Muslims if the bodies concerned oversee its development. So far, development of Lumbini has taken place only in talks in the national and international level.

When asked, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Deependra Kshetry told RSS that efforts are being made by the state to carry out economic, social and societal development of Lumbini, one of the most important sites with archeological value in the world.

Chief of Bhairahawa Multiple Campus Dr Ghanashyam Neupane has complained that the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has not done enough for the publicity about Buddha.

Development of entire Lumbini would not be possible with just attempts from certain people, rather it needs collective efforts and willpower, said a local journalist Chetan Panta.

The Visit Lumbini Year-2012 announced by the government with a view to bringing in one million tourists is likely to fail to meet the target. nepalnews.com