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UNDP/UNESCO LUMBINI SUPPORT PROJECT

Background Information on Lumbini and the Greater Lumbini Area

Prepared by UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project

November 2013

KAT/2013/PI/H/11

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Lumbini: UNESCO World Heritage Property 4 Trend in number of visitors in Lumbini between 2003-2012 (excludingNepali and Indian nationals) 5

Comparative chart: Number of visitors in Lumbini in 2012 6 Lumbini Timeline 7 Chronology of Lumbini-related events 8 UN Secretaries-General and Lumbini 16 Maps 20 Greater Lumbini Area 20 Buddhist sites in the Greater Lumbini Area 21 Profile: Buddhist sites in the Greater Lumbini Area 22 Profile: Greater Lumbini Area 24 Greater Lumbini districts profile 25 Other facts 25 International Assistance in the Greater Lumbini Area 27 International projects and activities over the years 27 Kenzo Tange Master Plan for Lumbini 31 5 x 5 mile area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan 32 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan 33 Lumbini master plans over the years 34 UNDP contributions to the Lumbini Master Plan over the years 35 Implementation status of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan 36 New Lumbini Village 36 Monastic Zone 39 Sacred Garden 42 Central Link 45 Budget required for the completion of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan 46 Other projects 48 International Architectural Competition 48 Archaeological investigation in the Greater Lumbini Area 50 Preserving Ramagrama 51 International documentation Centre for Lumbini 52 Interviews: Prominent figures of Lumbini 53 Sayalay Bhaddamanika 53 Amrit Shresthacharya 54 Shankar Nath Rimal 56 National and international bodies responsible for managing, preserving and restoring Lumbini and relevant Buddhist sites 58

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About UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project 60

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Lumbini: UNESCO World Heritage Property

Photo: Lumbini Development Trust Lumbini was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage properties in 1997 as the place where Gautama Buddha was born in 623 BC. The criteria for inscription in the World Heritage List are defined in the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value. “As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, testified by the inscription on the Asoka Pillar, the sacred area in Lumbini is one of the most holy and significant places for one of the world’s great religions” (Criterion iii). “The archaeological remains of the Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from a very early period” (Criterion vi). The values therefore encompass the property to be both an archaeological site as well as a place of pilgrimage. The Government of Nepal, as a signatory to the World Heritage Convention, must establish a management system that ensures the safeguarding of the Outstanding Universal Value of Lumbini from any factors arising in and around the property, including the impact of the growing numbers of tourists and pilgrims to Lumbini every year. The boundaries cover the central area around the Asokan pillar of 130 by 150 metres with a buffer zone designated as the remaining area within the water body as designed by the renowned Japanese Architect Kenzo Tange in a Master Plan for Lumbini. The surrounding outer sacred garden is defined as a “wooded area” in the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, which is an area to be protected under the Ancient Monument Preservations Act.

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136001

2012

128259

2011

99508

2010

85075

2009

82089

2008

71053

2007

49595

2006

39792

2005

37892

2004

28053

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

2003

Trend in number of visitors in Lumbini between 2003-2012 (excluding Nepali and Indian nationals)

Source: Lumbini Development Trust

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PassportHolder, 136001

Nepali, 539210

Indian, 120583

Comparative Chart: Number of visitors in Lumbini in 2012

Source: Lumbini Development Trust

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Lumbini timeline

BC 1st-7th century 8th-13th century 14th-19th century 20th century - Present

623 BC: Buddha is born in Lumbini.

350 – 375 AD: Chinese Monk Sengtsai writes accounts of his L bi i i it

399-413 AD: Chinese traveler Fa Hsien visits Lumbini.

1312: Ripu Malla, Prince of Kathmandu, visits Lumbini.

249 BC: Emperor Asoka visits Lumbini and erects the Asoka Pillar.

636 AD: Chinese Hsuan Tsang describes Lumbini as "a deserted place."

1896: The Asoka Pillar is re-discovered during Khadga Shamsher's expedition with German archaeologist

1932-39: Excavation work by General Keshar Shamsher.

1959: UN Secretary-General Daag Hammarskjöld visits Lumbini.

1967: UN Secretary-General U Thant visits Lumbini.

1978: The Government of Nepal and the UN approve the Kenzo Tange Master Plan.

1992-1995: The Marker Stone is discovered.

1997: Lumbini is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

2008: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visits Lumbini.

2003: The new Mayadevi Temple opens for the public.

2012: Visit Lumbini Year.

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Chronology of Lumbini-related events

623 BC Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Lord Buddha, is born in Lumbini.

249 BC Emperor Asoka visits Lumbini and erects the Asoka Pillar with Pali language inscriptions in the Brahmi script to pay homage to Lord Buddha’s birthplace.

350- 375 AD Monk Seng-tsai belonging to the Qin Dynasty makes a pilgrimage to Lumbini and writes accounts of his visit.

399-413 AD Traveller Fa-hsien visits Lumbini and describes the place where Lord Buddha’s mother, Queen Mayadevi, gave birth to Prince Siddharta and where the newborn was bathed.

636 AD Traveller Hsuan-tsang visits Lumbini. He describes Lumbini as “a deserted place, and wild animals roamed around enough to warn off travellers."

1312 AD Ripu Malla, King of the Malla Kingdom of Kathmandu, visits Lumbini. He is the last visitor to leave evidence of his visit prior to the site remaining in oblivion for centuries.

1896 General Khadga Shamsher, the Governor of Tansen, organizes an expedition together with Anton Führer. The Asoka Pillar, which marks Lord Buddha’s birthplace, is re-discovered.

Old Photo of Asoka Pillar soon after it was rediscovered. Photo: Lumbini: A Haven of Sacred Refuge/Basanta Bidari

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1899 Excavation by Purna Chandra Mukherji discovers the main piece of the Nativity Sculpture. Two additional pieces of the sculpture are found and joined together some 85 years later by Tara Nanda Misra.

1932-1939 Excavation work by General Keshar Shamsher exposes many stupas and monasteries.

1956 King Mahendra visits Lumbini and proposes steps for Lumbini’s development at the Fourth Assembly of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

1956 The Ancient Monument Preservation Act gives the Department of Archaeology the authority to “preserve ancient monuments, control the trade in archaeological objects, excavate ancient monuments sites, and acquire and preserve ancient monuments and archaeological, historical or artistic objects”.

March 1959 UN Secretary-General Daag Hammarskjöld visits Lumbini.

February 1962 Devela Mitra excavates the base of the Asoka Pillar.

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April 1967 UN Secretary-General U Thant visits Lumbini, and initiates international support to develop Lumbini for pilgrimage and tourism.

King Mahendra with Secretary-General U Thant at the Royal Palace in 1967. Photo: UN/Marvin Bolotsky

1970 The International Committee for the Development of Lumbini is formed in New York under the chairmanship of Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

Prince Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah addressing a special meeting of the International Committee for the Development of Lumbini, at UN Headquarters in 1987. Also seated at the head table, second from left is UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar. Photo: UN/Yutaka Nagata

1970 The Government establishes Lumbini Development Committee which later becomes Lumbini Development Trust in 1985.

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1970-1971 Babu Krishna Rijal locates and excavates an area which matches the description of the Lumbini Village as inscribed in the Asoka Pillar.

1972 The Advisory Panel for the International Committee for the Development of Lumbini requests that Kenzo Tange prepare a Master Plan for Lumbini.

1972-85 Excavation activities by the Department of Archaeology.

1978 The Government and the UN approve the Kenzo Tange Master Plan. The implementation of the Plan is scheduled to be completed by 1985.

Kenzo Tange (2nd from left) during his visit to Lumbini. Photo: Lumbini Development Trust

1981 UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim visits Lumbini.

1985 The Lumbini Development Trust Act is passed and Lumbini Development Trust is delegated to implement the Lumbini Development Plan.

March 1989 UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar visits Lumbini.

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1992-1995 Excavation work by the Department of Archaeology, Lumbini Development Trust and the Japanese Buddhist Federation during which the Marker Stone that marks the exact location of the birth of Lord Buddha is discovered.

Marker Stone. Photo: UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project

1996 The archaeological remains of the ancient Shakya Kingdom in Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu district) and the relic stupa of Lord Buddha in Ramagrama (Nawalparasi district), both closely related to Lord Buddha's life, are included in the Tentative World Heritage List.

Ramagrama. Photo: UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project

1997 Lumbini is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

1998 The World Buddhist Summit declares Lumbini to be the "Fountain of World Peace".

1999 UNDP commissions a Vision and Scoping Mission led by Young Hoon Kwaak and Abelardo Brenes to develop the idea of Lumbini as the "Fountain of World Peace".

2002 The Government establishes the Gautam Buddha International Peace Award. Tadatoshi Akiba, the mayor of Hiroshima, and Tomihisa Taue, the mayor of Nagasaki, are the first recipients of the award in 2011 in recognition of their contribution towards advocacy for disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. Each of

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the awardees is given USD 25,000.

2003 The restored Mayadevi Temple opens to the public on 16 May 2003 to celebrate the birthday of Lord Buddha.

Mayadevi Temple. Photo: UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project

2004 The Second World Buddhist Summit declares Lumbini as a “World Peace City”.

2005 Last meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the International Committee for the Development of Lumbini (16 September) on the sidelines of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York.

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2008 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visits Lumbini.

UN SG Ban Ki-moon in Lumbini. Photo: UN/Mark Garten

2010

Asian Development Bank begins South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project which includes upgrading the the Gautam Buddha Airport close to Lumbini.

2010

A three-year UNESCO/Japanese-Funds-in-Trust for the Preservation of the World’s Cultural Heritage project entitled “Strengthening the Conservation and Management of Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha” is launched to address conservation and management issues and challenges facing the World Heritage property.

2011

The Greater Lumbini Development National Steering Committee is established by the Cabinet of Nepal with the mandate to develop a Master Plan for the Greater Lumbini Area while respecting the Kenzo Tange Master Plan and to garner international support for the development of Lumbini.

2012 The government signs Memorandum of Understanding with Korea

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International Cooperation Agency for the preparation of a master plan for Lumbini World Peace City Preservation and Development project.

2012 The government declares 2012 as “Visit Lumbini Year”.

Prime MinisterBaburam Bhattarai announces Visit Lumbini Year 2012. Photo: eKantipur.

References:

Kwaak, Y. H. and Brenes, Abelardo. Lumbini: The Fountain of World Peace. Report for the Vision and Scoping Mission.

Mishka, Tara Nanda. June 2004. Evolution of Buddhism and Archaeological Excavations in Lumbini. Ancient Nepal: Journal of the Department of Archaeology, No. 155, pp. 10-18.

UNESCO. Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha. World Heritage List, UNESCO World Heritage Centre 1992-2012. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666/ (Accessed 10 August, 2012).

Bidari, Basanta. 2004. Lumbini: A Haven of Sacred Refuge. Kathmandu, Hill Side Press.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666/

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UN Secretaries-General and Lumbini

UN Secretary-General

Lumbini Visit Messages/Observations/Comments

Dag Hammarskjöld

March 1959 “Like glittering sunbeams The flute notes reach the gods In the birth grotto.”

UN SG Dag Hammarskjold. Photo UN/ES

Excerpt from A Reader’s Guide to Dag Hammarskjöld’s Wayward, which is a compilation of Dag Hammarskjöld’s journal entries that were found in a manuscript in his New York apartment after his death. The manuscript was originally published in Swedish, which was translated to English. This excerpt is taken from a poem or haiku he wrote titled “Far Away” which captured his visit to the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal.

U Thant April 1967 Visit to Lumbini had been “one of the most important days of my life”.a “Since early 1968, various phases of development works have been carried out both by the Government of Nepal and by United Nations Organizations and the project has now reached a stage where financing from voluntary contributions will be needed before it can become a pilgrimage center with adequate facilities for pilgrims and tourists. In this connection I would like also to express my personal appreciation to the Government of Nepal for the initiatives they have already taken. May I also express my sincere hope that both interested governments, individuals and private groups will make generous contributions in cash or kind to help in the implementation of what I consider to be a most worthy project?”b

Nepal’s King Mahendra with Secretary-General U Thant at the Royal Palace in 1967. Photo: UN/Marvin Bolotsky

a From U Thant’s 1977 memoir, View from the UN. b U Thant’s speech during a 1970 meeting of the International Committee for the Development of Lumbini (ICDL).

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Kurt Waldheim February 1981 “Through the efforts of the Government of Nepal and with financial assistance from the United Nations Development Program, a Master Plan has been completed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. However, it is necessary to make these plans a reality. It is my hope, therefore, that government, private institution and individuals will make generous contributions toward this most worthy undertaking.”

UN SG Kurt Waldheim with King Birendra during his visit to Nepal. Photo: The Rising Nepal, 14 February 1981

Source: Lumbini Development Trust. Javier Perez de Cuellar, who was the Under Secretary-General of Special Political Affairs at that time, accompanied Kurt Waldheim to Lumbini.

Javier Perez de Cuellar

March 1989 “Lumbini, where Gautam Buddha was born in 623 BC, is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. Worldwide attention is focused on Lumbini not only because pilgrims and tourist come from all over the world, but because for all mankind Lumbini has special meaning as a place of meditation and spiritual renewal, a center of culture exchange and a symbol of peace. Buddha's message of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity is more relevant today than at any other time in history. Peace, understanding and a vision that transcends purely national boundaries are imperatives of our insecure nuclear age. The United Nations is proud to have whole-heartedly supported this project (Lumbini) from its inception. I wish to take this further opportunity to state that it will continue to play its parts in support of this undertaking which related most closely to the spiritual and cultural heritage of humanity." PM Marich Man Singh with UN SG Cuellar.

Photo: The Rising Nepal, 7 March 1989

Javier Perez de Cuellar spoke those words during his visit to Lumbini, as reported in The Rising Nepal.

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Boutros-Boutros Ghali

“The implementation of the Lumbini Master Plan is still in progress. I should therefore like to call on international community, governments, private institutions and individuals to consider contributing to the cause of preserving the tradition of the Buddha - that of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity.”

UN SG Boutros Boutros Ghali. Photo: UN/Milton Grant

Source: Lumbini Development Trust.

Kofi Annan “As the most sacred place of pilgrimage for the world’s Buddhists, Lumbini provides yet another illustration of the inter-connectedness of all people, across borders and across time. As a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site, Lumbini reminds us how much the world’s religions can teach us, Buddhists and non-Buddhists, believers and non-believers alike. And let us applaud the commitment to tolerance that allows a Buddhist summit to be held in an officially Hindu country. The world could many more such examples of religious harmony.”

Secretary-General Kofi Annan is welcomed by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal at Narayanhity Royal Palace. Photo: UN/Eskinder Debebe

Kofi Annan sent this message to the first World Buddhist Summit that was held in Lumbini on December 1998. The message was delivered on his behalf by Henning Karcher who was the UNDP Resident Coordinator in Nepal during that time.

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Ban Ki-moon November 2008

“I am awestruck by the beauty and profound significance of this site, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. Being here, I am reminded of his amazing life journey from sheltered prince to founder of one of the world’s great religions. And I am moved by his example of voluntarily leaving behind comfortable circumstances to confront the painful realities of life and to help others overcome them. Above all, as Secretary-General of the United Nations, I am all the more inspired to work for peace throughout the world. I sincerely hope that we can learn from his lessons, from his teachings and his philosophy to bring peace, stability, harmony, reconciliation and friendship among people of different beliefs, different religions and cultures. This is exactly what human beings should promote and pursue for a better world, a more peaceful, more prosperous world.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visits Lumbini. Photo: UN/Mark Garten Source: The Rising Nepal

References:

2 November 2008. UN support to peace to continue: Ban Ki Moon. The Rising Nepal.

8 March 1989. UN Support for Development of Lumbini Encouraging: Prince Gyanendra. The Rising Nepal.

Erling, Bernhard. 1987. A Reader’s Guide to Dag Hammarskjöld’s Wayward. Minnesota, St. Peter.

Lumbini Development Trust. Message from UNSG. Articles. http://www.lumbinitrust.org/articles/view/96 (Accessed 5 September, 2012) Thant, U. 1978. View from the UN. New York, Double Day. United Nations. 30 November 1998. Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s message to the World Buddhist Summit. Press Release SG/SM/6812.

http://www.lumbinitrust.org/articles/view/96

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Maps

Greater Lumbini Area

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Buddhist sites in the Greater Lumbini Area

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Profile: Buddhist sites in the Greater Lumbini Area

Source: Ministry of Local Development of Nepal Kapilvastu 1. Tilaurakot: The ancient capital of the Shakya Kingdom, the kingdom of Lord Buddha’s father, with remains of the fortification wall

and gates; Prince Siddhartha lived here until 29 years of age; site on Tentative World Heritage list

2. Niglihawa: Birthplace of Kanakmuni, who was one of the four Buddhas of the Bhadrakalpa era (which is a long and immeasurable period of time and it is believed that the present period is also part of the Bhadrakalpa); site has a broken Asoka Pillar with inscription erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC

3. Aurorakot: Ruins of a rectangular fortified area; believed to be the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha

4. Sagarhawa: A forest with a lake known as Lumbusagar; thousands of Shakyas massacred at this site by King Virudhaka; ruins of

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hundreds of stupas built to remember those who were massacred

5. Gotihawa: Remains of an Asoka Pillar to mark Krakuchhanda’s birthplace; Krakuchhanda was one of the four Buddhas of the Bhadrakalpa

6. Kudan: Place where Lord Buddha met his father for the first time after his renunciation; his son Rahul was ordained by Lord

Buddha’s most revered disciple Sariputra

7. Sisahaniya: Important archaeological site of the Maurya-Kushan era; believed to have an ancient Buddhist monastery Rupandehi 8. Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha; World Heritage property 9. Devdaha: The ancient capital of the Koliya Kingdom, which was the home of Lord Buddha’s mother and his in-laws Nawalparasi 10. Ramagrama: Stupa believed to contain one of eight relics of the Lord Buddha; site on Tentative World Heritage list

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Profile: Greater Lumbini Area

Districts: Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu

Total Area: 5,260 sq km

Total Population: 2,095,640 (Census 2011)

Population by Religion (Census 2011):

RELIGION Rupandehi Nawalparasi Kapilvastu Hindu 86.24 % 88.18 % 80.62 % Buddhist 4.61 % 6 % 0.87 % Muslim 8.23 % 3.75 % 18.16 % Kirant 0.03 % 0.06 % - Christian 0.66 % 1.74 % 0.19 % Prakriti 0.02 % 0.06 % 0.02 % Bon 0.08 % 0.07 % - Others 0.14 % 0.14 % 0.14 %

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Nawalparai Rupandehi Kapilvastu

Hindu

Buddhism

Islam

Kirat

Christianity

Prakriti

Bon

Jainism

Bahai

Sikhism

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Greater Lumbini districts profile

DISTRICTS Rupandehi Nawalparasi Kapilvastu Area (sq km) 1,360 2,162 1,738 Population (Census 2011) 880,196 643,508 571,936 Population Density (Census 2011) 647 per sq km 298 per sq km 329 per sq km Employed Population (Census 2001) 47.86% 62.92% 58.88% Employment Sectors (Census 2001)

Agriculture Construction Work

Retail Business Civil Service

Education Industry

Hotel and Restaurant Transportation/Communication

81.06% 2.35% 5.68% 2.3%

1.43% 5.53% 1.24% 2.07%

72.38%

3.4% 5.47% 1.9%

1.62% 8.93%

1% 1.49%

62.9% 2.75% 5.56% 1.76% 1.41% 7.12%

n/a n/a

Number of households (Census 2011) 163,835 128,760 91,264 Average household size (Census 2011) 5.37% 5% 6.26% Urban population (Census 2001) 18% 4.02% 5.64% Number of literate* people (Census 2011) 569,029

(Male 315,030; Female 253,999)

423,054 (Male 223,317;

Female 119,737)

289,988 (Male 170,056; Female

119,932) Political Division VDCs 69

Municipalites 2 Constituencies 7

VDCs 73 Municipalities 1

Constituencies 6

VDCs 77 Municipalities 1

Constituencies 5 * Ability to either read and/or write in Nepali and perform simple calculations.

Other Facts

o 36 per cent household neither have TV nor radio in Rupandehi o 60.7 per cent household neither have TV nor radio in Kapilvastu o 8 Village District Committees (VDCs) still do not have access to roads in Nawalparasi (Nepal Living Standard Survey

2003/4) o 40 percent of population has no access to electricity in Nawalparasi (Nepal Living Standard Survey 2003/4) o 80 per cent of population has no access to electricity in Kapilvastu (Census of Manufacturing Establishments 2007)

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References: Central Bureau of Statistics, 2012. National Report of Census 2011. Central Bureau of Statistics. 2008. District Profile of Kapilvastu Central Bureau of Statistics. 2008. District Profile of Nawalparasi Central Bureau of Statistics. 2008. District Profile of Rupandehi Central Bureau of Statistics. 2011. Preliminary Leaflet Central Bureau of Statistics. 2001. National Report of Population Census 2001 Central Bureau of Statistics. 2005. Nepal Living Standard Survey 2003/04 Central Bureau of Statistics. 2007. Census of Manufacturing Establishments

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International Assistance in the Greater Lumbini Area

International projects and activities over the years

Agencies Sector/Area Projects & Activities Municipality/VDC, District Timeline Approximate Budget (USD)

ADB Road Connectivity Upgrading of roads from Bhairahawa to Taulihawa Rupandehi Kapilvastu

Sub-regional Transport Facilitation

Upgrading of road from Bhairahawa to Bhumahi Rupandehi Kapilvastu

South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development

Upgrading of Gautama Buddha Airport to a regional airport; Development of car parking & bus stops; Construction of a visitors center near the World Heritage Property in Lumbini, and landscaping and building walkways in the 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area; Enhancement of on-site interpretation displays

Bhairahawa, Rupandehi Lumbini, Rupandehi

Local Governance & Community Development

Social mobilization; Capacity building of local bodies for service deliveries, including on gender mainstreaming, accountability and financial management

Kapilvastu, Rupandehi Nawalparasi

ATELAB Culture Conducted studies of two Buddhist sites, Gotihawa and Ramagrama, funded by the Alliance for Asian Cultural Heritage Protection (APPCA)

Gotihawa, Kapilvastu Ramagrama, Nawalparasi

KOICA Culture Preparation of a Vision Plan for Lumbini as a World Peace City, for which the inception report has already been prepared

Lumbini, Rupandehi

$2,000,000

Pilgrimage for World Peace

Infrastructure Development

South Pond in the World Heritage Property completed with funding from Pilgrimage for World Peace, after Rev. Sunmook Hyeja, the Head Monk of Dosunsa Buddhist Temple Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism of South Korea, initiated this project

Lumbini, Rupandehi

Thai Phuong Thai Foundation

Infrastructure Development

Walkways inside the Sacred Garden in the World Heritage Property

Lumbini, Rupandehi $470,000

UNDP

Culture Outline design of the Master Plan for Lumbini – Phase 1 Lumbini, Rupandehi 1971 $54,000 Final Master Plan for Lumbini – Phase 3 Stage 1 Lumbini, Rupandehi 1973 $200,000 Architectural and engineering design for Lumbini Master Plan – Phase 3 Stage 2

Lumbini, Rupandehi 1984 $439,658

Soil test for Lumbini Master Plan Lumbini, Rupandehi 1984 $42,000 Technical assistance for realization of Lumbini Master Plan – Phase 2 & 5


Assistance to the development of Lumbini Phase 2 & 5 Lumbini, Rupandehi 1988 $646,269 Renewable Energy Development (REDP)

Toilet Construction; Briquette production; Training on vegetable farming and livestock rearing; Installation of cooking stoves

Niglihawa, Kapilvastu Banganga, Kapilvastu

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Micro-Enterprise Development Programme (MEDEP)

Doll Making; Incense Sticks; Vegetable Farming; Tailoring & Tent House; Retailer Shops; Vegetable Farming; Poultry Farming; Leaves Plate Making; Furniture

Kapilvastu

Public-Private Partnerships

Haat-Bazaar Toilet Construction; City Road Greenery Scheme Sidharthanagar, Rupandehi Putalibazar vegetable & fruit market; Solid waste management Sidharthanagar, Rupandehi

HIV/AIDS Community Care Centre for PLHIV; Rehabilitation Centre for IDUs; Drug Harm Reduction

Rupandehi Kapilvastu

Small Grants Facility Participatory Jagadishpur wetland conservation initiative Niglihawa, Kapilvastu Local Governance & Community Development

Community Building; Road; Culvert; Potable water; Water and sanitation for socially excluded community


Disaster Risk Management

Comprehensive disaster risk management programme Nawalparasi

UNESCO Education Literacy for All: Empowerment & Poverty Reduction in Post-Conflict Nepal

Kamariya and Tenhawa, Rupandehi

Trilingual approach in literacy programme Bagedi, Rupandehi Capacity building in Education for All (CapEFA) Rupandehi

Communication & Information

Building bridges – Communication for empowerment Lumbini, Rupandehi

Culture UNESCO/World Heritage Centre organized a technical advisory mission to Lumbini Development Trust and the Department of Archaeology for nomination of Tilaurakot and Ramagrama as part of a serial nomination of World Heritage sites associated with the life of the Lord Buddha

Rupandehi Kapilvastu Nawalparasi

1997 $8,000

UNESCO/World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS organized several technical advisory missions and meetings in Lumbini between 2000-2005


Assessment of the status of Lumbini World Heritage Site and publication Lumbini: Present Status and Future Challenges based on the assessment

Lumbini, Rupandehi 2006

UNESCO/International Assistance Request within the World Heritage Funds support for the preparation and establishment of an Integrated Management Plan for Lumbini World Heritage Property


UNESCO/Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance support of the World Heritage Property and preparation of management plan


UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust project formulation mission for the conservation and management of Lumbini in cooperation with Lumbini Development Trust and the Department of Archaeology


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UNESCO/Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance Environmental Impact Assessment of Industrial Development around Lumbini conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Rupandehi 2012 $15,000

UNESCO/Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance study on the Sacred Garden and a publication based on the study


UNESCO/Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance Photo Book on Lumbini with 300 photographs from 8 photographers


UNESCO/Oriental Cultural Heritage Sites Protection Alliance/ATELAB-Ecole d’Architecture Paris la Villette research project on the “Study of Buddhist Sites in the Region” of Lumbini


2013 $45,000

UNESCO/Japan Funds-In-Trust project in cooperation with Lumbini Development Trust and the Department of Archaeology for the conservation and management of Lumbini


UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project to assist in garnering international support for the development of Lumbini and its surrounding areas


2013 $110,000

UNFPA Partnership building with District Development Council, District Health Office, District Women & Children Office and District Education Office

Critical review of youth friendly services; Dissemination of national policies, strategies and plan of action in health sector; Capacity building of Health Facility Management Committee; Empowerment of adolescent girls; Participation of youth, poor & marginalized communities in VDC & DDC planning processes; Increased awareness & demand of ASRH/HIV/AIDS services; Work against gender based violence


2012 $70,000

UNHABITAT

Water & Sanitation Strengthening water, air, sanitation & hygiene treasuring health (SWASHTHA)

Rupandehi Nawalparasi

UNICEF Strengthening Communities

Capacity building of partners, community mobilizers, child clubs and disadvantaged group members through training and orientation

Kapilvastu

Child Protection 34 paralegal committees formed and functional in 33 UNICEF-supported VDCs and one municipality; Birth registration campaigns in 18 VDCs

Kapilvastu

Education Child Friendly School Initiative (CFSI) in 93 schools; Parenting orientation to parents of Early Child Development (ECD) age group children; Support to establish 441 community-based ECD centers

Kapilvastu

Health & Nutrition Community-based integrated management of childhood illnesses; Routine immunization programme; Vitamin A and de-worming programme; Iron intensification programme

Kapilvastu

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Water & Sanitation Drinking water schemes built in disadvantaged group’s communities; Sanitation & hygiene education in schools; Support for initiatives to make VDCs Open Defecation Free zones; Hand washing and water treatment programme in VDCs

Kapilvastu

Girls Education Programme

Child Friendly School Initiative (CFSI) implemented in 48 schools; Parenting education to improve school-based Early Childhood Development Centres (ECED); Education Cluster for Education in Emergency; ECED orientations & trainings to facilitators, head teachers and school management committee members; Mainstreaming Madrasa with ECED and CFSI framework

Rupandehi

Paralegal Support to paralegal communities Rupandehi

UNOHCHR Peace & Reconstruction Peace through Justice (PtJ) Rupandehi Kapilvastu

World Bank Group

Tourism Lumbini Tourism Scoping Study Lumbini, Rupandehi Agriculture Agriculture commercialization and trade development activities Kapilvastu

Rupandehi

Energy Development Projects under World Bank’s Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF Biogas)

Kapilvastu Rupandehi Nawalparasi

Irrigation Community-based irrigation management Kapilvastu Rupandehi

Hydro-Power Micro-hydro projects Nawalparasi Poverty Alleviation Projects under World Bank’s Poverty Alleviation Fund Kapilvastu Infrastructure development

Rural roads Kapilvastu Rupandehi

Water & Sanitation Rural WASH projects Kapilvastu Rupandehi Nawalparasi

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Environment WWRF signed MoU with the Lumbini Development Trust to promote environmental, cultural and religious values of Lumbini

Lumbini, Rupandehi

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Kenzo Tange Master Plan for Lumbini

When U Thant visited Nepal in April 1967 as Secretary-General of the United Nations, he proposed the development of Lumbini into a major centre of pilgrimage and tourism. This was followed by a UNDP consultant mission in December 1969, which led to a report that established the basis for further planning around Lumbini.

In 1970, the International Committee for the Development of Lumbini (ICDL) was set up comprising initially of 13 members and later expanded to 16 member states.3 At the national level, the Lumbini Development Committee was formed. ICDL initiated the preparation of the Master Plan for Lumbini, which was conceptualized by Kenzo Tange starting from 1972. The Kenzo Tange Master Plan was finalized and approved in 1978.

The Kenzo Tange Master Plan covers an area of 5 x 5 mile with the central square mile being the Sacred Garden within which is the designated UNESCO World Heritage Property. Of the Master Plan, a 1 x 3 mile area which includes the following three zones: New Lumbini Village, Cultural/Monastic Zone and the Sacred Garden - are part of the Lumbini Project Area. The Lumbini Project Area was expropriated and brought under government ownership in the 1970s. The 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area was planned out in detail based on geometric shapes and the notion of the path to enlightenment. The entrance is placed in the north in the New Lumbini Village from where the visitor enters the site to begin the journey from a location of “worldly” activities. Then the visitor proceeds to the Monastic Zone for knowledge and spiritual purification, before reaching the Sacred Garden (within which is the World Heritage Property) for enlightenment. The three zones in the 1 x 3 mile area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan are connected by a canal in the Central Link. The remaining area outside the Lumbini Project Area within the 5 x 5 mile zone is the Buffer Zone, which protects the three zones in the 1 x 3 mile area. Implementation of the Master Plan commenced in 1978 and was initially scheduled to be completed by 1985. Progress was, however, slower than anticipated. In 1985, the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) was established to manage and implement the components of the 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area in accordance to the Kenzo Tange Master Plan. UNDP contributed a total of USD 1,805,961 for the design and implementation of the Master Plan.

3 The initial 13 member states of the ICDL in 1970 were Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Later, the composition of the ICDL changed to 16 member states when Bangladesh, Bhutan and Republic of Korea also joined.

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5 x 5 mile area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan

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1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan

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Lumbini master plans over the years

1969 - First sketch of the Lumbini Master Plan by Kazuyuki Matsushita

1971 – Preliminary design of the Lumbini Master Plan is Included in the Report for the Advisory Panel for the UN Lumbini Development Project

1972 – Final outline design of the Lumbini Master Plan by Kenzo Tange and design company URTEC

1978 – Kenzo Tange and URTEC includes the final design of the Lumbini Master Plan in the final report of the Master Report for the Development of Lumbini Phase II

Source: From the presentation “Key Concepts of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan” by Yukio Nishimura and Takefumi Kurose at the second annual meeting of the International Scientific Steering Committee (ISSC) in Lumbini on 12 July 2011

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UNDP contributions to the Lumbini Master Plan over the years

1971 Outline design of the Master Plan – Phase 1 $ 54,000

1973 Final Master Plan – Phase 3 Stage 1 $ 200,000 1984 Architectural and engineering design – Phase 3 Stage 2 $ 439,658

1984 Soil test $ 42,000 1987 Technical assistance for realization of Master Plan – Phase 2 & 5 $ 424,034

1988 Assistance to the development of Lumbini Phase 2 & 5 $ 646,269

Total UNDP Contributions $ 1,805,961 (USD) Source: Lumbini Development Trust

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Implementation status of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan

The tables in the next few pages show the implementation status of the different zones in the 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, including the New Lumbini Village, the Monastic Zone and the Sacred Garden, as well as the implementation status of the central link and other areas of the Master Plan. The tables provide the names of the donors and their contributions to the specific components that have already been implemented. The tables also describe the remaining components that are yet to be implemented with the required budget for their completion.

New Lumbini Village

This area in the north of the 1x3 mile Lumbini Project Area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan is the zone that represents “worldly” activities from which visitors and pilgrims enter the site to begin their spiritual journey. This zone contains facilities for visitors including hotels, a tourist and administration centre, a museum and a research institute. However, major components of the zone, such as more tourist and administration centres and car parks remain to be implemented. The estimated budget required to implement the remaining components in the New Lumbini Village is USD 23,131,000.

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Components in the New Lumbini Village Donor Status Contribution (USD)

Tourist & administration centre (1 out of 8 units will be constructed)

Asian Development Bank

Implemented

1,280,000

Parking (1 out of 8 parking lot implemented; Another will be implemented soon)

Lumbini Development Trust already implemented 1 parking lot Asian Development Bank will be implementing another parking lot

25,000

Tourist accommodation Hokke Hotel 1,745,000 Hotel Kasai 1,745,000

Pilgrim accommodation (Lumbini Development Trust had signed an agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka to take over the pilgrim accommodation)

Government of Sri Lanka 700,000

Lumbini Museum (including landscaping) Government of India 360,000 Lumbini International Research Institute Reiyukai, Japan 3,500,000 U Thant Auditorium MoU signed with donor 2,040,000 Tourist & administration centre (7 out of 8 units need to be constructed, which includes visitors centre, administrative centre, medical centre, police station, bank, etc.)

To be identified Funds required 14,174,000

Camping ground (including brick paving, amphi theatre, fireplaces) – 2 units need to be constructed

700,000

High school complex 940,000 Staff colony (few blocks remaining) 4,050,000 Landscaping (soft) 350,000 Landscaping (hard) 2,917,000

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Lumbini Museum. Photo: UNESCO

Monastic Zone

This zone in the middle of the 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area is designed to enable visitors to attain knowledge and undergo spiritual purification before they proceed to the sacred birthplace of the Lord Buddha in the next zone. The Monastic Zone consists of 42 plots for the construction Buddhist monasteries from all over the world. This zone has been divided into the West Monastic Zone and the East Monastic Zone with the central canal in the middle dividing the west from the east. The West Monastic Zone represents the Mahayana (and Vajrayana) school of Buddhism with 29 plots, and the East Monastic Zone represents the Theravada school of Buddhism with 13 plots. There are also meditation centres for pilgrims and visitors. At present, six plots remain for the construction of new monasteries. The estimated budget required to implement the remaining components of the Monastic Zone is USD 2,600,000 (this figure excludes the costs of constructing monasteries in the six plots that are still available).

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Components in the Monastic Zone Country of origin of donor Status Contribution

(USD)

Mon

aste

ries

in W

est M

onas

tic Z

one

Chinese Monastery China

Implemented

3,000,000 Sokyo Temple Japan 470,000 Phat Quoc Tu Vietnam Vietnam 470,000 Dharmodaya Sabha Vihar Nepal 410,000 The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation

Germany 3,000,000

Linh Son Buddhist Monastery

France 350,000

Gadan International Vihar Austria 290,000 Manang Sewa Samiti Monastery

Nepal 95,000

Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center

India 175,000

Korean Mahabodhi Society Temple of Korean Buddhist Chogye Order

Republic of Korea 60,000

Kwan Um Sa Temple Chogye Order

Republic of Korea n/a

Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling Monastery (Seto Gumba Boudha)

Nepal n/a

Zarong Tgupten Mendol Dogna Choling

Nepal 230,000

Karma Samten Ling Institute Nepal n/a United Trungram Buddhist Temple

Nepal 1,725,000

France Buddhist Temple (Association Lumbini Shechen Stupa)

France n/a

Urgen Dorjee Choling Buddhist Monastery

Singapore 120,000

Nepal Traditional Buddhist Vihar

Nepal 140,000

Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Buddhist Vihar

Canada 246,000

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Sacred Garden

The focal point of Lumbini is the Sacred Garden within which lies the UNESCO World Heritage Property that consists of important archaeological remains including the Marker Stone inside the Mayadevi Temple that marks the exact spot where Lord Buddha was born, the Asoka Pillar that Emperor Asoka erected in 249 BC to pay homage to Lord Buddha’s birthplace, and the Nativity Sculpture that depicts Lord Buddha’s mother Queen Mayadevi giving birth to him. A circular levee has been built around the excavated area to protect it from flooding. The Sacred Garden symbolizes enlightenment. The estimated budget required to implement the remaining components in the Sacred Garden is USD 5,976,000.

Mon

aste

ries

in E

ast

Mon

astic

Zon

e

Royal Thai Monastery Thailand Implemented 1,165,000 Myanmar Golden Temple Myanmar 700,000 Sri Lankan Monastery Sri Lanka 585,000 International Nuns’ Temple Nepal 120,000 Mahabodhi Society Temple India 235,000 Cambodian Monastery (under construction)

Cambodia n/a

Canadian Engaged Buddhist Association (agreement signed)

Canada n/a

All Nepal Vhikku Federation Vihar (agreement signed)

Nepal 390,000

Oth

er c

ompo

nent

s in

M

onas

tic Z

one

Main pedestrian path Nepal Implemented n/a Service Roads Nepal 1,800,000 Panditarama Lumbini International Meditation Centre

Myanmar n/a

Dhamma Janani Vipasyana Meditation Center

Nepal n/a

Secondary pedestrian path To be identified

Funds required

2,600,000 6 plots remaining for monasteries

n/a

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Components in the Sacred Garden Donor Status Contribution (USD)

Construction of Mayadevi Temple Government of Nepal

Implemented

810,000 Enclosure around Ashoka Pillar Government of Nepal 235,000 Circular levee/circular pond (beautification remaining) Government of Nepal 1,520,000 Circular road with circular drain (circular drain remaining) Government of Nepal 235,000 Excavation of main archaeological remains Japanese Buddhist

Federation/Department of Archaeology/Lumbini Development

n/a

800,000

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Trust

Development of Sacred Garden (turfing, pedestrian access roads & drainage, ponds) (partially completed)

Government of Nepal 350,000

Thai Phuong Thai Foundation 470,000

Conservation and management of archaeological remains (Phase 1)

UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust

791,000

Pedestrian access roads and drainage (partially remaining)

To be identified

Funds required

2,700,000

Relocation of existing structures (2 monasteries & 1 police station) so that archaeological conservation does not get damaged

1,984,000

Landscape 467,000

Conservation and management of archaeological remains (Phase 2) – ongoing negotiations with possible donor are currently taking place

825,000

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Excavation activities in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini. Photo: UNESCO

Central Link

The Central Link consists of a canal, with pedestrian paths on both sides and symbolic pavilions that connect the three zones of the 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area including the New Lumbini Village, the Monastic Zone and the Sacred Garden. It is planned that pilgrims and visitors will travel by boats without combustion engines on the canal. The 12 metre wide canal signifies transition from worldly life to enlightenment. The estimated budget required to implement the remaining components in the Central Link is USD 31,735,000.

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Components in the Central Link Donor Status Contribution

(USD) Central Canal (90% implemented) Government of Nepal

Implemented

2.800,000 Plantation (Partially completed) Government of Nepal 70,000 Public Toilets and drinking water facilities (planning phase) Asian Development Bank 115,000 South Pond (80% implemented) Rev. Sunmook Hyeja of South

Korea 360,000

Symbolic pavilion (North & South end)

To be identified

Funds required

1,634,000 Central canal (paving/drainage/landscaping remaining) 467,000 North Pond 1,870,000 South pond (20% remaining) 1,440,000 Drainage for service road 674,000 Black top road (partially remaining) 2,700,000

River diversion 1,350,000 Telecommunication (the telecommunication tower in the sacred garden needs to be relocated as it is damaging the World Heritage Site and its surrounding landscape)

5,400,000

Water supply system 2,700,000 Water tower 2,700,000 Sewage system and treatment plan 5,400,000 Electrical system 5,400,000

All the estimated figures above required to complete the remaining components of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan only include the costs for physical development of each component.

UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project would like to thank Lumbini Development Trust and University of Tokyo for the detailed inputs and information for the tables above.

Budget required for the completion of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan

The budget required to implement the remaining components in the different zones of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan are the following:

New Lumbini Village– USD 23,131,000

Monastic Zone – USD 2,600,000

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Sacred Garden – 5,976,000

Central Link– USD 31,735,000

The total estimated cost to implement the Kenzo Tange Master Plan is USD 63,442,000.

References:

Lumbini Development Trust. 2004. Lumbini Development Trust and International Committee for the Development of Lumbini (ICDL/UN). Lumbini Development Trust. 2012. Recent Major Construction and other Works of LDT. Lumbini Darpan: The Mirror of Lumbini Development Trust, Vol. III, pp. 22-50. Lumbini Development Trust. 2004. Towards Completing the Lumbini Master Plan: A Compilation of Twenty Construction

Components.

Rai, Ruprama. 2006. Lumbini: The Master Plan and its Implementation. Lumbini: Present Status and Future Challenges. Kathmandu. UNESCO Office in Kathmandu.

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Other projects

International Architectural Competition

The present Mayadevi Temple shelters the historical monuments and remains within the World Heritage Property of Lumbini, including the Marker Stone which marks the exact location where Lord Buddha was born.

Excavations have demonstrated that Lumbini and its surrounding areas were occupied from the first half of the first millennium BC. Excavations also show that the location of the current Mayadevi Temple was already established as an important shrine before Emperor Asoka constructed a temple in 249 BC. Asoka also erected a pillar with Pali inscriptions beside the temple, now known as the Asoka Pillar.

In 1896, General Khadga Shamsher and Anton Führer discovered the Asoka Pillar with the inscriptions identifying Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Between 1933 and 1939, General Keshar Shamsher carried out extensive excavations in the area and reconstructed the Mayadevi Temple.

Between 1992 and 1995, a joint excavation was carried out by Nepal’s Department of Archaeology, Lumbini Development Trust and the Japanese Buddhist Federation. The excavations focused on the Mayadevi Temple which was suffering damage from the deep roots of the tree to its immediate west. During the joint excavation, the temple was dismantled, and structures from the 3rd century BC were identified and the Marker Stone was discovered. The present heavy steel structure was constructed in 2002.

However, the present Mayadevi Temple poses high risks related to the conservation of the archaeological remains due to a variety of factors including pollution and increasing numbers of visitors in the area. At present, the conservation team of the UNESCO/Japanese Funds-in-Trust (JFIT) project “Strengthening the Conservation and Management of Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha” in cooperation with Lumbini Development Trust and the Department of Archaeology is monitoring the micro-climate inside the temple. The team will be making recommendations on ways to conserve and protect the archaeological remains inside the temple.

An international architectural competition is proposed to design an aesthetically appropriate structure to ensure that the historical monuments and remains inside the temple are protected from damage.

The cost for this project is estimated to be USD 490,000.

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Photo: LDT Late 1930s

Keshar Shamsher reconstructed the Mayadevi Temple

Photo: UNESCO

Photo: UNESCO

2003 New Mayadevi Temple opened for public

2009 New paint on Mayadevi Temple

Mayadevi Temple throughout the years

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Archaeological Investigation in the Greater Lumbini Area The Greater Lumbini Area (GLA) includes Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts, each of which focuses on a major archaeological complex. There are two sites that are already in the Tentative World Heritage List: Tilaurakot in Kapilvastu, where the Lord Buddha lived as Prince Siddhartha before attaining enlightenment; and Ramagrama in Nawalparasi, the only relic stupa not opened by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC. There are a number of other known archaeological sites in the vicinity at Kudan, Sagarhawa, Sisahaniya and Aurorakot, but none have been systematically investigated. Despite its association with the life of the Lord Buddha, little research has been undertaken within the GLA and there are still many unanswered questions. Population growth within the GLA along with rapid industrial and agricultural expansion in the region poses increasing threats to the archaeological sites. It is therefore imperative that the rich heritage of Lord Buddha’s natal landscape is swiftly mapped and preserved, so that future generations of pilgrims may experience this ancient religious and historical landscape for themselves. One of the proposed projects is to conduct an archaeological investigation in the GLA through aircraft-based laser scanning, also known as LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging), a remote sensing technique (aerial sensor technologies to detect and classify objects on Earth) which provides three-dimensional measurements of the earth’s surface. LiDAR would enable field mapping and provide an overview of broad features in the field that are often undetectable on the ground. Archaeological investigation through the LiDAR technique would then pave the way to carry out field surveys, including geo-physical surveys using ground penetrating radar to conduct full inspections of sub-surface structures without physical intrusion. First, a thorough archaeological investigation through LiDAR, and then a geo-physical survey of the sites in the GLA, is recommended before excavation and conservation activities take place. The cost to carry out an archaeological investigation through the LiDAR technique is USD 1,200,000.

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Preserving Ramagrama Ramagrama, which is located in the Nawalparasi district in the Greater Lumbini Area (GLA), has been on UNESCO’S Tentative World Heritage List since 1996. Ramagrama is an archaeological site of great importance as it is believed to contain the only relic stupa of Lord Buddha not opened by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC. According to legends, when Emperor Asoka visited the site and wished to open the stupa in order to redistribute the relics, he was prevented from doing so by a Snake King. Hence, it became the only unopened stupa of the eight to contain Lord Buddha’s mortal remains.

In spite of Ramagrama’s significance of being a pilgrimage site of great importance, there are very few facilities at the site for visitors and pilgrims. A project is proposed for enhancing the understanding and conservation of Ramagrama to assist national authorities to proactively preserve Ramagrama and establish a management plan which would include conservation of the site and development of visitor facilities.

1. The phases of the project would include:

a) Undertaking archaeological survey for full assessment of Ramagrama through geophysical surveys using ground penetrating radar for full non-intrusive inspections of sub-surface structures under the ground as well as more intensive and intrusive excavation of selected areas.

b) Establishing an overall mapping and understanding of the site based on the findings of the archaeological survey.

c) Preparing a conservation and management plan by a team of experts to safeguard Ramagrama, and establishing an infrastructure master plan for the site to have the capacity to receive large numbers of visitors

The cost for this project is estimated to be USD 345,000 (USD).

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International Documentation Centre for Lumbini At present, Lumbini lacks a centralized system that provides documentary evidence of the history of Lumbini and its surrounding areas including development activities that take place in the region. As a result, access to relevant information is often missing when designing and implementing archaeological and conservation projects in and around Lumbini. This has created challenges for the current management of Lumbini and has contributed to the problems related to the lack of adequate visitor services. Pilgrims, tourists and visitors are not able to quickly access information about Lumbini through a centralized source. A project to establish an international documentation centre is proposed to collect and preserve important historical documents, data and images related to Lumbini through an advanced document management system, which would be accessible to visitors, researchers and others working on activities relevant to Lumbini both off and online. Documentation would include official records, correspondence, maps, audio-visual materials, project documents, reports and recommendations of international expert missions, as well as information on previous archaeological and preservation projects. Documents will be collected in originals or in copies from national and international institutions in all forms including text materials, audio visual materials, electronic data including geographic information system (GIS) data, etc. Establishing an International Documentation Centre will contribute to the development of Lumbini as it will support the integrated management process by being able to provide historical records of major management decisions regarding Lumbini for both national and international stakeholders. The centre would enable project teams including conservation and archaeological teams to have access to an adequate documents base. Furthermore, it will enhance visitors’ services because relevant information about the region would become available and accessible for visitors as part of their memory of Lumbini. This project will also build the capacity of Lumbini Development Trust in managing a documentation centre through training of information specialists and systems operators. The cost of establishing an International Documentation Centre in Lumbini is estimated to be USD 600,000.

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Interviews: Prominent figures of Lumbini

Sayalay Bhaddamanika

Leading Buddhist nun at the Panditarama Lumbini International Meditation Centre of Myanmar in Lumbini

Interviewed on 16 October 2012 in Lumbini at the Panditrama Lumbini International Meditation Centre

How did you get involved in Lumbini?

I came to Lumbini in Nepal from Myanmar on February 1999. Initially, my intention was to stay here for a few months, but I decided to stay longer as the spiritual atmosphere of Lumbini and its uniqueness and serenity hypnotized me. As a Buddhist, I realized this is the place where one should be staying at by following the Buddha’s way: “for the welfare of many, and for the happiness of many”.

How did others in Lumbini react to your decision to stay here? And as a leading Buddhist nun, did you face any difficulties in adjusting to Lumbini?

I mostly experienced encouragement and support ever since my arrival in Lumbini in 1999. The strenuous efforts and encouragements made by other Buddhist nuns and monks who established monasteries in Lumbini and in Kathmandu made my transition here much easier.

How important do you think it was for Lumbini to have the Kenzo Tange Master Plan?

Kenzo Tange Master Plan was and remains very important and it certainly helped Lumbini to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The renowned Japanese Architect Kenzo Tange had a broad vision, and his master plan was far-sighted and well-organized in laying out a systematic plan to protect the values of the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The master plan has been an asset for Lumbini tying the philosophy of Buddhism to the World Heritage Site’s status as a place of Outstanding Universal Value.

What would have happened to Lumbini if the Kenzo Tange Master Plan was not formulated?

Without the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, noise pollution in Lumbini would have been rampant, which would violate the essence of the teaching of Buddha that one can get access to wisdom through quietude and neatness. The buffer zones in the master plan are designed to protect core areas in Lumbini, including the Sacred Garden, and insulate the site from external noises and disturbances. In the past, before the master plan was adopted and before the implementation phase began, there were vehicles passing by on and near the core areas in Lumbini disturbing the peace and quietude that are essential in Buddhism.

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What are the priority areas for development in Lumbini that both national and international stakeholders should be focusing on?

There are two priority areas that national and international stakeholders should all be focusing on for the development of Lumbini. First priority area is protecting the identity of Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha as well as its spiritual atmosphere and environment, along with the other sites around Lumbini that are relevant to the life and history of the Lord Buddha.

The second priority is to conduct archaeological investigation and survey in Lumbini and its surrounding areas, especially in the buffer zones within the Kenzo Tange Master Plan.

What role should UN agencies take on for the development of Lumbini?

UNESCO could establish the International Experts Committee on Safeguarding Lumbini to address issues of conservation, protection and environmental sustainability. UN’s involvement is particularly needed in protecting the environment of Lumbini. Environmental protection could include relocating the industries that are polluting the air and damaging the historical sites. Environmental protection should also be in the form of safeguarding the 5 x 5 mile area of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan from encroachment, perhaps by helping to establish an environmental protection unit within Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) or within the Department of Archaeology (DoA) and /or within other national entities similar to the system for environmental protection adopted by the Authority for the Protection & Management of Angkor & the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA) in Cambodia. UN could advocate making Heritage Impact Assessment mandatory in Lumbini.

UN could also assist by drawing attention to the status of the monasteries in Lumbini as international projects in order to secure the positions of the monasteries including the Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI). The monasteries’ status as international projects could be incorporated into LDT’s Act so that it can be part of the by-laws. For instance, the by-laws can ensure that the international residents in the Monastic Zone in Lumbini are granted 5-year visas to Nepal. On behalf of the residents in the monastic zone, we are certainly ready to help regarding this matter in any way we can.

Amrit Shresthacharya

Retired Engineer who was involved in the initial design of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan

Interviewed on 29 September 2012 at his office in Anamnagar

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How did you get involved in Lumbini and with the Kenzo Tange Master Plan?

I was an engineer with the Building Department of the Government of Nepal that was responsible for infrastructure development in Nepal, and was appointed to be the member-secretary of the technical sub-committee when the Kenzo Tange Master Plan was being implemented. I served as the coordinating person for UNDP when they contracted engineering firms to design components of the Master Plan.

I did not get a chance to interact much with Kenzo Tange but worked with his chief associate architect. I worked in Lumbini for 15 years until 1990.

How important do you think it was for Lumbini to have the Kenzo Tange Master Plan?

Very important, but it is still a challenge to implement it. The Master Plan and each of its zones, components and units, were designed by Kenzo Tange in accordance to the Buddhist philosophy of human life. The three zones, starting from the New Lumbini Village to the Monastic Zone and up to the Sacred Garden, were planned to provide the experience to visitors from moving from the present life to a transitional life and finally to a spiritual life.


Without the Master Plan, Lumbini would have been confined within the premises of the Mayadevi Temple because lands around the temple were owned privately. It would have been surrounded by unplanned buildings, restaurants and constructions. Even with the Master Plan, the restricted zone outside the 1 x 3 mile area is being developed in an unplanned manner. The restricted zone is no longer restricted, and hotels are being built without proper planning in accordance to the Kenzo Tange Master Plan. The Master Plan had been violated, and I only hope that it would not be further violated.

Why has the Master Plan been violated? What should be done?

The violations have been in a whim. Every time I meet the member-secretary of Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), I request him to read his appointment letter which states that one of the responsibilities of the LDT is proper implementation of the master plan. I have made requests to ensure that the master plan is not violated further. If needed, we can review the master plan. A comprehensive review can make suggestions for changes in a planned way, which could be implemented after approval from all concerned stakeholders.

How important was UN agencies’ involvement in Lumbini?

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UNDP has been the backbone of all the development in Lumbini. Not only in the designing of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, but also in its implementation. UNDP provided continuous technical support, and the UN is still needed for the completion of the rest of the master plan. UNDP has invested a lot in Lumbini, and UNESCO has always been a supportive agency.


I have always said that UN has played an important role for the development of Lumbini, and their involvement is still much needed in Lumbini. UN could presently get involved in reviewing the master plan which would take into account the current needs and challenges of Lumbini.

Shankar Nath Rimal

Retired Engineer who was involved in the initial design of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan

Interviewed on 29 September 2012 at his residence in Naxal

How did you get involved in Lumbini and with the Kenzo Tange Master Plan?

After approval of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, it was divided into seven components and seven Nepali Engineering and Architectural firms were invited to prepare detailed design and drawings. There was not much to do on the Sacred Garden. One of the seven components were the monumental buildings that included eight buildings, central canal, bridges over the canal and symbolic pavilions, which I designed according to Kenzo Tange’s concept under a contract from UNDP. Kenzo Tange asked me to make minor changes in the design four to five times in order to perfect the final design.

Later, I was also appointed to be the coordinator of the design committee of the new Mayadevi Temple in 1998, but I resigned because I did not agree with the concept of construction of the structure inside the Sacred Garden.


I first went to Lumbini in 1958 after a Buddhist conference in Lumbini (the Fourth Assembly of World Fellowship of Buddhists in 1956) was held. It was a huge event that triggered interest in Lumbini, and tourism in the area increased after that.

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If the Master Plan was not prepared, we would have seen unplanned developments all over in Lumbini. Development activities began after the Master Plan was formulated. At the very least, the Sacred Garden was protected and archaeologically important sites were preserved as a result of the Kenzo Tange Master Plan. However, there had been some structures that were constructed without fully respecting the Master Plan, which clearly violated the original principles of the plan. But, most of the violations are outside the 1 x 3 mile Lumbini Project Area. The Master Plan can certainly be reviewed, but since some of the developments have not been in full accordance to the original plan, it can create a lot of problems in the future.

Overall, are you happy with how Lumbini has developed so far?

No one can be unhappy with most of the developments that have taken place so far. But, I see that there are elements that have even violated aspects of the Sacred Garden where Kenzo Tange wanted zero intervention. Even in the agricultural zone, there are hotels and industries that have surfaced which are not supposed to be there. The authorities in Nepal have failed to keep many activities that are not in sync with the principles of the Master Plan in check.

How important was UN agencies’ involvement in Lumbini?

If UN was not involved, some of the main elements that have been implemented and protected in accordance to the Kenzo Tange Master Plan would not have happened.


I have seen that UN’s role is often shaped according to the government’s will. I believe that the UN should be vocal and raise concerns if certain principles are violated jeopardizing the sacred status of Lumbini. UN should facilitate the implementation of the remaining components of the Master Plan and strongly object if any area of the Master Plan comes under threat. UN should strongly reiterate its stance of sticking to the principles of the original Master Plan when advising the government because Lumbini is a World Heritage Property after all.

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National and international bodies responsible for managing, preserving and restoring Lumbini and relevant Buddhist sites

NATIONAL BODIES

Ministry of Culture,

Tourism & Civil Aviation

(MOCTA)

Department of

Archaeology (DoA)

LumbiniDevelopment Trust (LDT)

Greater LumbiniDevelopment

National Steering

Committee

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International Committee for

the Development of Lumbini

(ICDL)

INTERNATIONAL BODY

NATIONAL BODIES MANDATE Ministry of Culture, Civil Aviation & Tourism

Promote cultural events and Nepal’s heritage sites with emphasis on conservation of natural, cultural and human resources.

Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) Manage, protect, implement activities and restore Lumbini Garden in accordance to the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, as well as manage other Buddhist sites in the Greater Lumbini Area.

Department of Archaeology (DoA) Excavate, prepare and protect archaeological sites.

Greater Lumbini Development National Steering Committee

Prepare a master plan for the Greater Lumbini Area while respecting the Kenzo Tange Master Plan, and garner international support for the development of Lumbini.

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About UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project

UNDP/UNESCO Lumbini Support Project was established in 2012 with funding from UNDP Nepal to assist national authorities in garnering international support for the development of Lumbini and its surrounding areas. The team responsible for this project is based in the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu, Nepal. The following team-members have been part of this project:

Amreen Choudhury, International Liaison Officer

Krishna Acharya, Assistant Liaison Officer

Aniruddha Chhetri, Logistics & Administrative Assistant

Dhan K. Limbu, Secretarial Assistant

INTERNATIONAL BODY MANDATE COMPOSITION International Committee for the Development of Lumbini (ICDL)

Mobilize financial and technical support for Lumbini development, while promoting Lumbini for further international support and assistance.

The ICDL was initially formed in 1970 with 13 member States (Nepal, Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand) under the chairmanship of Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN. Later, the composition of the ICDL changed to 16 members when Bangladesh, Bhutan and Republic of Korea also joined. The ICDL’s last meeting was held on 16 September 2005 in New York.