Only Consolation, No preservation – Gufa Danda (Photo Feature)

Perched at an elevation of 2,520 meters above sea level, this hill captivates the hearts of all nature lovers. From here, one can feel as if the peaks of Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Ama Yangri are just within reach—close enough to touch. Yet, this place has been neglected by the government.

In 2075 B.S. (2018 A.D.), the first ‘National Climate Conference’ was held here, inaugurated by then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Following the event, a 10-point declaration was issued. Although both Nepal’s federal and Bagmati provincial governments repeatedly pledged to promote this site, those promises have remained only words.

During the conference, national flags representing all 77 districts were also installed here. Now those flags face their own struggle for preservation. Mayor Aitman Tamang of Melamchi Municipality says, “The flags are now in disrepair. We’re discussing how to manage them.”

At the time of the conference, plans were made for extensive greening and other improvements. Bagmati Province’s Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama even committed a budget—but none of the funds ever arrived. This hill, favored by Buddhist monks, was left untouched.

Despite neglect from federal and provincial governments, Melamchi Municipality has stepped in to protect it. The municipality has allocated NPR 20 million for Gufa Danda. According to Mayor Tamang, a multifunctional park will be developed, including a statue of Buddha, a damphu (traditional drum) park, and a statue of a jhākri (shaman).

Tourists typically reach here via Panchpokhari–Naulinshwari and then through Gosaikunda. However, the road infrastructure to the site is poor. “We need to improve the road, and we have allocated a budget for that. We will continue adding to it,” said the mayor.