Nepal's Model Village: A Ghost Town of Unmet Promises

Gorkha. The devastating earthquake that struck on 2072 Baishakh 12, with its epicenter in Barpak, completely destroyed the historic Gurung settlement of Laprak, Dharche Rural Municipality-4, Gorkha.

Following the earthquake, an integrated model settlement was constructed in Gupsipakha for the earthquake victims of Laprak, based on a tripartite agreement signed on 2073 Baishakh 12 between the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), the then National Reconstruction Authority, and the Ministry of Urban Development.

Spread over approximately 326 ropanis of land, a total of 604 houses were built in this model settlement. Of these, 573 were constructed by the NRNA, while the remaining were built under the Nepal government's earthquake relief program. However, despite such massive infrastructure, only about 60 families currently reside in the settlement. Most of the houses remain vacant, and the area appears deserted.

According to local representatives, serious questions have been raised regarding the quality of construction. Kisan Gurung, Ward Chairman of Dharche Rural Municipality-4, noted that the houses feature plastic doors and windows, small rooms, and many structures appear incomplete.

He stated, 'Families who have started living in the settlement have had to spend an additional 200,000 to 400,000 rupees to make the houses habitable.' He added that residents had to invest their own money to install wooden doors and windows, pave floors with stone, and improve interior structures.

It is reported that many locals are reluctant to move to the model settlement because the original Laprak village has long been at risk of landslides, and their agricultural lands are located in the old village area.

However, with the expansion of the road network, reaching Laprak has become easier, and public bus services are now in operation. Locals mention that the arrival of domestic tourists has been increasing recently in the once-remote area of Laprak.