KATHMANDU, March 24: Bharatpur metropolis has taken over the responsibility for the operation and management of Diyalo Bungalow in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-1. The metropolis signed an agreement on Friday with the Nepal Trust to take over the responsibility of operation and management of the residence of the former royal family.
Member Secretary of the trust Jhalakram Adhikari and Chief Administrative Officer Narendra Kumar Rana signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. According to the agreement, the metropolis will operate the bungalow from March 22, 2024 until mid-July 2025.
During this period, it is mentioned in the agreement that the building and premises of Diyalo Bungalow in Bharatpur will be used by the metropolis while protecting, enhancing and promoting it, and should be operated under the observation and operation procedures of historical and cultural heritage owned by the trust, 2080 BS.
Also, it is mentioned in the contract that the metropolis must request the trust for renewal of the contract before the contract expires and the decision to renew/not renew the contract will be made within one month.
It is mentioned in the agreement that if the metropolis wants to end the operation and management, the trust should be informed at least one month in advance.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mayor Renu Dahal and Deputy Mayor Chitrashen Adhikari of Bharatpur metropolis. At the signing event, Mayor Dahal expressed her happiness that the metropolis was able to protect, enhance and promote the historical place. She said that after three months of formal efforts, the responsibility came to the local level.
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Stating that the responsibility of operating the bungalow has come to the metropolis in an agreement between the federal and local governments, Mayor Dahal said that this has added a new destination for tourists visiting Bharatpur. She said, "This place will become a center of attraction for tourists."
She said that it will be developed as a study center for historical sites.
Dahal said that the metropolis will proceed with this as a model and exemplary project. She said that the Diyalo Bungalow will be opened for the general public within mid-April, targeting Bharatpur visit year 2024. According to her, Didibahini Construction Services has signed a contract for Rs 9.2 million for maintenance of the palace.
Deputy Mayor Chitrasen Adhikari said that earlier only the royal family, security agencies and some employees would be allowed to enter this area near the Narayani river bank and Devghatdham, but now it will be opened for the general public soon.
Adhikari said that this is where King Mahendra died in the year 2028 BS.
He said, "The metropolis has got an opportunity to inform about this place by protecting and promoting it as a historical site."
Member Secretary of Nepal Trust said that according to the decision of the 82nd meeting of the Trust Board of Trustees, the responsibility of conservation, enhancement and promotion has been given to the metropolis. He said that the responsibility was given to the local government for the first time on behalf of the trust.
The member secretary also mentioned that the historical places of the trust are being given for preservation, enhancement and promotion and the process is underway to hand over the responsibility of Pokhara's Ratna Mandir and Makwanpur's Kanti Griha to the local government.
It was mentioned on the occasion that the trust has protected more than 22,000 ropanis of land in the name of former kings and royal families.
What's inside the Diyalo Bungalow?
Inside the bungalow, there is a large sitting room on the first floor adorned with pictures of former kings Mahendra and Birendra on the walls. On the staircase, there is a crocodile that was hunted and killed by King Mahendra in 2026 BS, displayed as a decoration. A tiger's head is also mounted on the wall.
The palace has five bedrooms: No. 1 belongs to Khopi Muma Ratna Rajya, No. 2 belongs to the king, and No. 3 to the queen, while 4 and 5 are for other members of the royal family. Each bedroom is equipped with a nearby toilet. The materials used by the royal family remain unchanged.
Adjacent to the palace are 'Nanigunj' for women and the ADC quarter for the king's security guards. Some areas have garages for vehicle storage. Currently, the swimming pool nearby has no water, and a trust unit operates near a house designated for changing clothes.
Despite its beauty and historical significance, the bungalow has been inaccessible to the general public. Spanning over 57 bighas, 13 kattha, and seven dhurs, this place is both serene and picturesque. The Narayani River on the west side of the bungalow adds to the beauty of the palace.
