LOMANTHANG DRAINAGE AND HISTORIC CITY WALL REPAIR PROGRAMME

The project was established in 2004 with the objectives of repairing historic city wall and improving existing drainage system in the city of Lomanthang. It was started in April 2004 with a mission to undertake the emergency repair works of the city wall. Several drainage and paving options were presented to the local community for their approval.

The project has been able to complete repair work of East, North, West and part of South wall by the end of 2006. Similarly improvements of the drainage system and pavement to the major public spaces have been completed by the year 2006. The repair and consolidation of the wall, the improvements in the drainage and the paving of the public spaces within the city wall have significantly advanced the aesthetics and functional aspects in Lomanthang. It is aimed to complete the city wall repair work by 2007.

The consultants, JSA team has trained a local workforce of 60 members which includes carpenters, masons, plasterers and labours. In addition the project’s effort in creating a general awareness on heritage conservation among the local people has reached its summit. Apart from its programme to protect and conserve city wall, historic Gompas and other cultural elements, the community’s effort to present their heritage to visitors and future generation is another aspect that has already begun to take place in the area. The JSA team has been equally responsible for the research on local materials and technology and it’s improvement in search of appropriate technology. It has successfully revived the skills in Gyang Construction (Rammed Earth Construction) in the area.

Location: Lomanthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal

Client: The American Himalayan Foundation (AHF) through the National Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC) formerly the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation