Scores of palaces and 'dharmasalas' built during the time of the Rana rulers in Doti district are decrepit for lack of proper care and maintenance. These monuments are on the verge of collapsing due to neglect of the concerned bodies.
Dharmasalas are the shelters built near the trail for the travellers making long journeys to rest and spend the night in.
Moreover, according to locals many dharmasalas are being used by individuals as their personal property.
Such monuments built during the time of the Rana oligarchy can be found in Shikhar municipality, Dipayal Silgadhi municipality, Jorayal rural municipality, Sayal rural municipality, Badikedar rural municipality, Purbichauki rural municipality, Adarsha rural municipality, Bogatan Phudsil rural municipality and other areas in the district.
"No sincere efforts have been made by the government bodies and the local levels for preservation of these historical heritages. As a result, they are on the verge of collapse," said Dinesh Bahadur Malla, a resident of Jorayal rural municipality-3.
Several dharmasalas at Napani, Tele and other places in Jorayal rural municipality and Shikhar municipality are now decrepit and turned into cowsheds, said Niroj Bishta of Jorayal rural municipality-5.
Doti was the main administrative headquarters of the Western District during the Rana rule and as people from neighbouring districts like Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, Dadeldhura, Kalikot and Surkhet, and also from the Tarai districts had to come here for various administrative works trekking for two-three days. The dharmasalas were built for the convenience of these people.
District Coordination Committee coordinator Ram Bahadur Aeir said it is the responsibility of all to preserve the dharmasalas and other historical monuments in the district as these are the common property of all. He said especially the local levels should take the initiative to that end. He also suggested that these monuments can be developed into home stay to promote tourism.
The Mallodhoka, a bungalow built during the Rana time in Silgadhi, the district headquarters, is also meeting the same fate as other monuments. The palace located at Nachanthali of Dipayal Silgadhi municipality-6 was used by various government offices. It was used by the then Bada Hakim, the district magistrate, during the time of Rana rule as his residence, then after it housed the District Panchayat secretariat and other offices.
Source: National News Agency Nepal
