I had the opportunity to travel to Nepal on vacation in July for 4 weeks.  Seeing my parents and extended family after a while was certainly my main motive.  However I had additional motive to travel to Nepal; getting a first hand account of how the Dharan Stadium project was progressing.  Being a member of the committee, which raised and has handed over Rs 3,000,000.00 thus far to Stadium Construction team in Dharan, I certainly had vested interest in the project.

Having arrived in Dharan, I had a meeting with key committee members of Stadium Construction Committee to get an initial update on the project.  Their thorough brief on the progress, which included possible problems with land disputes in the western side of the stadium, gave me the indication that the project was going well and everything was in hand.  They informed me, in addition to the money provided by Dharan UK Forum, Rs 500,000.00 and Rs 300,000.00 were provided by Dharan Municipality and National Sports Council respectively.  Additionally, Dharan Municipality had further allocated Rs 500,000.00 for the project from this year's budget.  Although this all painted a very rosy picture I had my own reservations, having witnessed delay in Ghantaghar project due to various reasons.

I then proceeded to inspect the stadium with Maj (Retd) Jhaptaman Limbu and Capt (Retd) Khadkaraj Rai, who are THE key members of the committee, and hold treasurer and assistant treasurer positions respectively.  When I arrived at the stadium I was dumb founded.  I had never imagined in my wildest dream that the project would be at that advanced stage in a few months since it started.  Apart from around the disputed areas in the west and gates at different sides, the perimeter wall was nearly complete.  I have uploaded the pictures of the stadium in the gallery for all to see.  Jhaptaman Saheb showed me around the stadium and briefed me further on the financial aspect of the project.  His metaculous brief and dedication to the project proved to me we had chosen the right person for the project.

Although initial estimate for the perimeter wall was just Rs 3,700,000.00, due to sky rocketing prices of materials the estimation doubled in just a few months.  The project may seem near to completion looking at the photos but there is still a lot to do.  Hopefully, slowly but surely dispute over the land will be resolved and further financial support would be garnered by Dharan UK Forum.  This will not be possible until and unless, Dharanes, who  have promised to contribute but have not provided the money yet, put their hands in their pockets and contribute towards the project.  The sceptics among us can see the pictures themselves, and perhaps decide to change their mind and contribute now.

All of this would not have been possible without the diligence and hard work of the committee in Dharan.  Their initiative to get the financial help from local organisations have certainly aided and brought the project closer to the people in Dharan.  Particular mention must be made of Jhaptaman and Khadaraj Sahebs, whose tireless effort and continued supervision have brought the project to this far.  They have clearly set an exmaple on how a project should be run, and how much could be achieved by following basic rules of hard work and dedication.

As I have already mentioned Dharan UK Forum is still looking to raise more money to complete the project.  So those of us, who have promised to contribute but have not done, and those who have been sceptics thus far, it is time to put aside your doubts and contribute towards the development of OUR Dharan.  There is a perfect opportunity to do this during Dharane Bhela on 8 Aug 09.  All contributions from the Bhela will go towards the project.

 

See you all on 8th.

 

Dharan UK Forum