Pedestrianization of Bandipur

Pedestrianization of Bandipur

1. History

North-south Trade route via Bandipur
Source: Ethnohistorical study of Bandipur

Bandipur is said to be a town established in early 19th century by Newari traders from Bhaktapur, after it was conquered in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah. They took advantage of its malaria-free location to develop it into a key stop along the India Tibet trade route. Besides their trading skills, the Newars brought their rich cultural heritage and architecture, which still defines the look and feel of today's Bandipur. As such several festivals celebrated in Bhaktapur like Bisket Jatra, Gai Jatra are also celebrated here.

2. Hey Days

Bandipur developed into prosperous trading center and transit in the north to south India-Tibet trade route through Marsyangdi River. It was mainly used by people from Lamjung, Gorkha and Manang to transport good to and from southern region. This led Bandipur to expand into a community with town-like features that had unique settlements, houses with their neoclassical fronts and shuttered windows, and silverfish slate paved streets. Bandipur had its heyday in the Rana times (1846-1951), when, as a measure of its power and prestige, it was granted special permission to have its library (still existing). The main street used to be lined with traders and porters coming to and from Lamjung, Gorkha and Manang. [1- Iltis, 1980].

3. Decline

In the 1970s, trading declined steeply after the completion of Kathmandu – Pokhara highway. For technical reasons, the highway was logically built in the Marsyangdi valley, leaving Bandipur isolated up on the mountain. Moreover, Bandipur lost its political importance after the district headquarters of Tanahu was moved to Damauli as a result of its poor accessibility to vehicles in 2033 BS. Once thriving businesses of Bandipur were forced to move down to Dumre, and many even left for the Terai. The shift turned Bandipur into a semi-ghost town. The population declined considerably.

Bandipur Surrounding area, the main street is highlighted. Source: Ethnohistorical study of Bandipur

4. Character

The main street of Bandipur is defined by distinct Newar pattern and architecture except for the open portico on the southern facing street, which during its trade days, enabled travellers and porters to rest their goods during their travel. A standard Newar home in Bandipur is usually three to four-storey high with thick walls with a storefront. The main street also hosts historic Bandipur Library and Bindyabashini temple at its center.

There are other distinctly attractive places around Bandipur such as viewpoint, hiking trails and religious sites.

• Tudikhel or the previous military parade ground offers a panoramic view of mountains.
• Gurungche hill hiking trail has a religious site - Thani Mai temple at the top, which is a famous sunrise and sunset viewpoint.
• Siddha Cave, claimed as one of the biggest cave in South Asia.

5. Revival

While Bandipur remained a ghost town after the center of the district was shifted despite violent protest, it gained prominence as an educational center after the establishment of mission school named Notre Dame School. Although the location of Bandipur was initially a setback for its people, because of highway bypassing the town, it later became a boon in disguise as much of the architectural and cultural heritage was intact. Having a great potential, in 1998 during visit Nepal year, the revival of Bandipur started with the renovation of the Old Bandipur Inn. [2- Piya & Pradhan, 2015]

From 2003 till 2007 Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project was initiated which transformed Bandipur into a bustling touristic town. The main objective of this project in its own words was:

“to develop Bandipur as sustainable eco-cultural tourism center with a network of similar hill towns to revitalize, protect and promote their cultural and natural resources with programs that have replication values.”

The project was designed as a sustainable approach to new destination promotion. It was supported by the Asia Urbs Programme that was launched by the European Commission in 1998 as an initiative for decentralised (city-to-city) collaboration, to bring together local governments from Asia and European Union (in this case Municipality of Hydra (Greece) and Comune di Riomaggiore (Italy)) [3- Joshi & Rajopadhya, 2007]. During the project period, the village experiences both physical change of place through infrastructure development as well as growth in tourism-related knowledge gathered through workshops, training and communication with local people. 

6. Transportation and Pedestrianization of Main Street

Bandipur was selected as the project site was accessibility from the highway to the main settlement through motorable road. However, the main central street was decided to be made traffic-free as part of the Bandipur Eco-cultural Tourism Project. In the words of project team members Ms Jharna Joshi and Mr Manoj Rajopadhyay,

“The central streets of the village have been made vehicle free to increase the possibilities for porters and unskilled and uneducated inhabitants as well as to provide a better atmosphere.”

People were skeptical about the plan and were worried that it would affect their business. Some of the major concerns were unwillingness to park private vehicles away from one’s house, difficulty in the transportation of goods and products. Initially, the development committee had to give up to the demands of the local businessmen. Motor vehicles would be allowed on the street, and the road was to be built with local slates as opposed to gravel because it was locally available material. The slates blended well with the Newari architecture of the area. The project was supported by EuropeAid.

However, during the construction, the committee build steps at the entrance and exit of the town without the consent of the business, thereby, effectively eliminating any chance of vehicles coming into the town [4 -Badruddin, 2010]. Political influence [support from Maoists] was used to ensure that steps would remain in place [4- Badruddin, 2010]. Jeeps that delivered people and goods had to stop at the town’s entrance and the goods were then carried down a series of steps to the main street. A bypass route [on south] went around the main settlement area near to picnic spot near Tundikhel making motorable access easier for a household on the rear of the main settlement. Later, organized parking was developed near the entrance for all private and public vehicles.

The slate paved street of the main Bandipur town. Pedestrianization has significantly improved the cleanliness of the street. Photo: Era Shrestha 2012

7. Result and Outcome

Pedestrianisation brought many positive outcomes. Walkable street became a highlight of the project. Besides the economic benefits to the unskilled and uneducated labour group, without vehicles, the streets were cleaner, free from noise pollution and more attractive to the tourists with outdoor activities. Local children could play in the main square safely. Before the project, the movement of bikes and vehicles had always caused the street to deteriorate. Now it was no longer the case. Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project was successful in reviving the lost glory of the historic town, and successfully preserving the cultural and traditional identity of the town.

Now, people appreciate the tranquility on the road due to reduced traffic and pollution. Businesses are pleased about the increased economic returns. Though they have to carry their goods manually, their income has increased significantly due to tourism. There are some tradeoffs, such as when residents are unwell, they have to use stretchers to transfer to ambulance. However, the reaction of people has been mostly positive.

Sources

1- An Ethnohistorical Study of Bandipur by Iltis, Linda L. (published 1980)

2- Based on Interview with locals Bikram Piya & Ishwor Gopal Pradhan on 2012

3- Sustainable Rural Tourism and Local Communities in Nepal, Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project, Nepal by Jharana Joshi & Manoj Rajopadhya (published 2007)

4- Nepalese town takes historic step ... backwards [Link] (accessed 2012)