Concerns on the construction of a commercial complex at Hanumandhoka

UNESCO has shown concern on the construction of a commercial complex at the Hanumandhoka World Heritage Site.
Issuing a press note, it said that UNESCO did not stop or allow constructions on or around a World Heritage Sites. “This is the role of the national authorities concerned, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Department of Archaeology,” it said, adding, “When UNESCO receives information with concerns on World Heritage Sites, it verifies the information with the concerned parties.”
The UNESCO was informed at a late stage when the basement structure had already been excavated. Thus, UNESCO had immediately transmitted the information to the Department of Archaeology and the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and as the construction was already advancing, it drew the attention of the building owner to existing regulations. “UNESCO then examined if this construction presented any adverse impact to the outstanding universal values of the Hanumandhoka World Heritage Site.”
Clarifying on the current debate on construction at the heritage site, it said that the examinations revealed that the building was situated outside the World Heritage Core Zone, and it seemed that the owner had obtained necessary legal permission from the authorities. “The plans of a four-story building, which we were shown, seemed to respect the authorized high and its design matched better than the previous concrete building with the historic environment.”
The UNESCO therefore noted that at this stage it did not see any negative impact on the outstanding universal values of the World Heritage Site. However UNESCO has also urged concerned authorities to investigate and take actions as necessary.