Uncertainty stalls construction of Peace Park in Myagdi

Myagdi. The plan to construct a Peace Park in Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi, has been marred by delays and uncertainty. Although Beni Municipality has allocated budget annually for the past three years, the project remains unimplemented due to the failure to finalize a suitable location.

Residents are disappointed that despite a Detailed Project Report (DPR) estimating a cost of Rs 100 million and the availability of funds, the project—intended to attract tourists traveling to and from Mustang—has not moved forward.

In the last fiscal year 2081/82, both Beni Municipality and the Gandaki provincial government allocated Rs 2 million each for the park. Ramesh Shrestha, spokesperson for the Beni Municipal Executive and Ward No. 7 Chairman, stated that the Rs 2.5 million allocated by the municipality this year remains unspent because the site selection issue persists.

“The municipality proposed building the park on 10 ropanis of land behind the Red Cross and Forest Division nursery at Birendra Chowk,” he said. “Although we included the area within the Barahpakho Community Forest in our plans, the project has stalled because authorities are hesitant to take the risks associated with working in a forest area.”

Shrestha suggested that if the current site is deemed unsuitable, the municipality should focus on organizing and managing existing infrastructure at the public land in Barahpakho, near Maharani Than. Construction of a pond, resting places, and land management at Maharani Than have already been completed.

The proposal to build a Peace Park, which would feature materials related to the Beni battle of Chaitra 7, 2060, was initiated to provide a recreational space for children, senior citizens, and tourists. For the past three years, the municipality has listed the Peace Park as a project of pride and high priority.

Bishnu Gautam, chairman of the Barahpakho Community Forest Users Group, stated that there would be no obstacles if the municipality and the Forest Division office coordinated to finalize the site. He noted that since the project is already included in the forest group's work plan, the success of the initiative now depends on the municipality's willpower and active engagement.

Beni Municipality Mayor Surat KC stated that efforts are underway to finalize the site and implement the project. According to him, the municipality is preparing to hold a public meeting with residents of Ward No. 7 and 8 to gather consultations and suggestions to resolve the location issue.