Kathmandu— The Department of Archaeology under Nepal's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has approved plans by the Muktinath Development Committee to construct additional infrastructure at the Muktinath Temple. The temple, located in Ward No. 1 of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, is a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The new facilities include taller water spouts, changing rooms, separate toilets, improved entrance areas, and pathways with an entrance gate.

Approved Infrastructure Details

The approved proposal includes increasing the height of the 108 water spouts, constructing changing rooms before and after bathing, adding separate toilets for men and women, improving the entrance to the Shivalaya Temple, and building a pathway with an entrance gate. These improvements aim to ease pilgrims' experiences from arrival to departure.

Committee's Vision

Pramesh Gurung, treasurer of the Muktinath Development Committee and spokesperson for Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, emphasized that these new structures will address longstanding issues faced by pilgrims due to outdated facilities. He stated, 'The new infrastructure will make the pilgrimage much easier.'

Preservation of Historical Significance

Dinesh Bhusal, office chief of the committee, assured that the construction would not impact the historical and archaeological significance of Muktinath. The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 60 million and will be carried out in a manner that preserves the site's integrity.

The next step involves preparing a detailed project report (DPR) following the Department of Archaeology's approval, after which construction can proceed.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.