Bhaktapur Municipality Intensifies Siddhapokhari Renovation

Kathmandu. Under its long-term 'Preserve Heritage' policy, Bhaktapur Municipality has intensified the renovation work of Siddhapokhari (Tahpukhu), which holds historical and cultural significance. The municipality stated that it is conducting the renovation work with the direct participation of locals through a consumer committee, discouraging the contract system.

According to Bhaktapur Municipality, the 'Siddhapokhari Pedi Punar Nirman Upbhokta Samiti' has been formed under the chairmanship of Krishnabahadur Duguja for the conservation and reconstruction of Siddhapokhari. The committee has transferred the pond's water to Bhaju Pokhu and Nahpukhu nearby via pipes and started the renovation work from Chaitra 20, 2082. The renovation work is targeted to be completed by the second week of Bhadra.

The municipality has allocated a budget of 85 lakh rupees for the renovation. Currently, renovation of the pond's paving and other structures is underway, with 30 to 32 personnel mobilized daily. The municipality has been calling on local residents, clubs, Dafa Bhajan groups, Guthis, and various organizations to participate in the heritage conservation campaign through labor donation. Significant participation of locals is observed on public holidays.

According to Bhaktapur Municipality, Siddhapokhari is a historically, religiously, and culturally important heritage. It has become a major center of attraction for domestic and international tourists visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square and other historical heritage sites. This rectangular pond, surrounded by strong walls on all sides and featuring artistic entrances, is approximately 574 feet long from east to west, 249 feet wide from north to south, and about 10 feet deep.

Siddhapokhari is considered one of the oldest and largest man-made ponds in Nepal, built by King Indradev in the early 13th century, corresponding to Nepal Sambat 239. Initially known as 'Indra Daha', this pond was renovated by King Yaksha Malla in the 15th century. History states that during the post-unification period of Nepal, it was reconstructed during Bhimsen Thapa's tenure and named 'Siddhapokhari'.

The municipality stated that it has been continuously carrying out regular cleaning, maintenance, and reconstruction of ponds and other heritage sites to preserve the glorious history and cultural heritage of the ancestors. Photo: Suryams Upreti/Nepal Photo Library