Kathmandu: The federal government has approved the ‘Guideline on the Design of Structures Made of Bamboo.’ The Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, has recently approved this guideline.
According to National News Agency Nepal, this marks the first time the government has given formal recognition to bamboo as a structural construction material in Nepal. Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, played a significant role in this development. He had previously staged a peaceful movement in Kathmandu, advocating for policies related to bamboo and bamboo-based materials. His efforts culminated in a hunger strike, which ended after a 16-point agreement with the government was reached.
The newly approved guidelines make it feasible to construct residential, commercial, and industrial buildings using bamboo, based on engineering design. Preparations are underway to circulate these guidelines to local bodies through the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration. The guidelines include standards for bamboo harvesting, grading, chemical treatment, storage, and use, alongside technical specifications for constructing earthquake-resistant and cost-effective structures.
Mayor Bhattarai expressed gratitude during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of this decision. He noted that bamboo now holds an official valuation similar to traditional construction materials, enhancing its credibility within the industry. Bhattarai remarked on the potential for employment generation through bamboo industries at the local level, highlighting the significance for entrepreneurs and farmers nationwide.
He further detailed that 13 varieties of bamboo are cultivated in his municipality, and plans are in place to promote bamboo entrepreneurship in collaboration with various bodies. The municipality had previously organized a three-day ‘First National Bamboo Conference-2081,’ which resulted in a 35-point ‘Khotang Declaration.’ This declaration includes plans to establish a Bamboo Study and Research Centre and promote ‘National Bamboo Awareness Day.’