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Masterplan
by GTZ
The Swyambhu Conservation
Masterplan with the title "SWAYAMBHU 2000" basically
intended to regain and preserve the character of the
hill as a religious and natural site.
The Masterplan was initiated
in 1985 by the National Planning Commission and the
Ministry of Education and Culture, However the preparation
of Masterplan began on March, 1988 with the Technical
Assistance from Federal Republic of Germany through
German Technical Coorperation (GTZ). The Masterplan
undertook following activities.
- Existing situation
of the monuments and monastic institutions were divided
into six distinct areas in the Hill and each area
was investigated for its historical context and preservance.
- The Social and religious
Context, particualrly in regards to the Buddhacharya
settlement, Therevada institutions, Lamaistic institutions
and Non-Buddhist institutions were analyzed in depth.
The Masterplan accepted these settlements and institutions
as an integral part of the sanctuary and formulated
rules which would not permit ablosute privatization
and commercialization of the properties.
- The ownership and
legal authority of the monument zone was reviewed
in the context of proposed conservation masterplan
and its administration. The ownership and legal authority
of the Guthi Gyangguthi, acting as sevondary owner
under Guthi Sansthan, was curtailed. Since the declaration
of the Hill as World Heritage Conservation Site in
1978, Department of Archaeology has gradually taken
over the ownership of the Hill.
- Proposals regarding
conservation of monuments were made with extension
of monument zone to include Bhuinkhel area together
with provisions of buffer zone (agricultural land)
and th especial review zone to control the height
and bulk on new constructions.
- The plant and tree
species in the existing forest of the Hill were studied
in depth and proposals were made to regain the character
of an indigenous Nepalese forest by excluding the
planting of foreign species.
- Proposal was made
to demolish 29 incompatible structures, alien to the
traditional character of the Hill and four Patis and
three Sattals were proposed as new buildings.
- Proposals were made
to realign the hill access road, expand the parking
area on the saddle between Swayambhu and Manjusri
hills and finally realign the circumferential road
at the Bhuinkhel square.
- The Masterplan recommended
following measures for improvement of sanitary conditions
on the Hill
- comprehensive
solution to water supply by replacing largely
insufficient system of individual supplies for
various user groups.
- a private pour-flesh
type toilet for each household on the Hill and
improvement of public toilet facilities.
- repair, improvement
and extension of existing drainage system for
surface and storm water.
- rehabilitation
of ponds and wells around teh hill.
- a waste disposal
and maintenance sustem.
In order to effectively
implement the recommendations of the Masterplan, the
Swayambhunath Conservation Authority was proposed under
DOA. The main objective of teh Authority was conceptulized
as below :
- To ensure the conservation
of Swayambhunath Hill as a site of historical, religious
and natural importance.
- To protect the hill
as a traditional sanctuary of Buddhist pilgrimage.
- To regain the character
of the hill as an indigenous forest.
- To improve the infrastructure
of the hill in a compatible dimensions for the convenience
of all visitors.
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