Despite being fully completed more than a month ago, the inauguration of Yalamber Park in Buipa, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality–14, remains on hold due to unresolved payment issues.
Spanning 30 ropani (approximately 1.5 hectares) of land at Panchadobato, the park features a 110-foot-tall full-scale statue of Yalamber—widely regarded as the first king of the Kirat dynasty. With a total cost of around Rs 140 million, the project was funded jointly by the Koshi Province Government (70 percent) and the local municipality (30 percent).
Touted as the tallest known statue of Yalamber to date, the monument stands at the center of a park equipped with recreational facilities, iron-framed seating, internet access and fast-food services. “All modern amenities expected in a public park have been included,” Ward Chair Dinesh Rai told the state-run RSS news agency. “Constructed using contemporary methods and technology, the statue is not only visually striking but is also expected to become a major tourism draw.”
However, the contractor—Uma–Tuwachung–Ansuwi JV—has yet to receive full payment. Sunil Rai, Manager at Tuwachung Construction Pvt. Ltd., said the work was completed by April 23. “We were ready for the formal handover, but around Rs 30 million in dues is still pending,” he said.
The park’s official inauguration, originally scheduled for May 31, was postponed as a result of the payment impasse.
Mayor Tirtharaj Bhattarai confirmed the municipality has fulfilled its share of the financial obligations but said the province has yet to disburse a part of its portion. “We’ve paid what we owe. The remaining Rs 39 million from the Koshi Province Government hasn’t been released,” he stated. “There’s little hope of the funds arriving within this fiscal year. But once they do, we’ll clear the outstanding amount and fully open the park.”
Deputy Mayor Bishan Rai added that the project is part of a broader initiative to preserve Kirat heritage while promoting tourism in the region. Under the agreed terms, 60 percent of the park’s revenue will go to the municipality and 40 percent to the provincial government.
(With inputs from RSS)
