Implementation of Peace Park Construction Plan in Beni Faces Confusion
News Summary
- Despite budget allocations for the past three years, the Peace Park construction plan in Beni, Myagdi, has not progressed due to an unresolved site selection.
- Beni Municipality had proposed establishing the park on 10 ropani of land behind the Red Cross office at Birendra Chowk, the Forest Division nursery, and residential areas.
- The municipality chief, Surat KC, stated that consultations will be held with the general assemblies of wards 7 and 8 to decide the park site.
April 24, Myagdi – There remains uncertainty and confusion over the implementation of the Peace Park construction plan in Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi.
Although the location of the park has not been finalized, Beni Municipality has allocated budgets annually for the past three years toward the Peace Park project, which has yet to make any progress.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) estimates the cost at NPR 100 million, aiming to attract tourists traveling from Myagdi to Mustang. However, despite the availability of funds, implementation problems have left local market vendors disappointed.
During the fiscal year 2078/79 (2021/22), Beni Municipality and Gandaki Province government allocated NPR 2 million each for project implementation, and this year the municipality allocated NPR 2.5 million. Nevertheless, work could not begin due to the absence of an agreed site, said Ramesh Shrestha, chair of Ward No. 7.
“The municipality had proposed constructing the park on 10 ropani of land behind the Red Cross office at Birendra Chowk, the Forest Division’s nursery, and residential areas,” he explained. “However, since this area falls under the Barahapakho Community Forest, there are challenges related to forest regulations causing difficulties in progressing the work.”
According to Ward Chair Shrestha, if the proposed site proves unsuitable, an alternative is to develop the park infrastructure on public land at Maharani Than.
At Maharani Than, the pond, resting platforms, and land arrangements for the park have already been completed.
The plan to create a Peace Park related to the Beni clash, which would house related materials and offer leisure spaces for children, senior citizens, and visitors, was initiated on Chaitra 7, 2060 BS (March 20, 2004). Over the past three years, this plan has remained a priority and a point of pride for the municipality.
Vishnu Gautam, chair of the Barahapakho Community Forest User Group, said that if coordination between the municipality and Forest Division is strengthened, site selection problems could be resolved. Although there are no obstacles to project implementation from his side, he emphasized the need for strong municipal will and active participation.
Surat KC, the mayor of Beni Municipality, confirmed efforts are underway to finalize the park construction site and that general assembly meetings of wards 7 and 8 will be convened soon to gather suggestions and advice.