Friendship Garden : A Enchanting Journey

Nepal is called the heaven of lands. From the 502 mtr. lower level from the sea shore to 8848 mtr. highest peak of the world is a wonderful combination of climates. One can feel the deference of the climatic versatility in a short geographical distance. The countless Himalayas and many rivers originating from the Himalayas has made Nepal a second richest country in hydropower worldwide. From the tourist viewpoint, Nepal has its own global importance. To add more value on this, 1998 AD was celebrated as "Visit Nepal Year". To enhance the domestic tourism and to establish a tourist center in Makwanpur district, a friendship garden was established at Simbhanjyang on 1stjanuary 1998 ( 2054 Poush 17 BS ) under the leadership of District Development Committee Makwanpur. Simbhanjyang is the highest place of the Makwanpur district. For the management of this garden, a committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of District Development Chairman.

This garden is situated on 2529 mtr altitude from the sea level. Traveling from Hetauda on Tribhuwan Highway , crossing the places named Bhainse, Chuniya, Lamidanda, Aghor which takes nearly 2 hours by the small vehicles, we can arrive to this garden. The garden is located approx. 90 mtr. downside from Simbhanjyang. This garden is being developed as a picnic spot for Nepalese people and foreigners as well. Some of the attractive points about this garden are as follows:

• Many snow capped peaks and Terai landscapes can be seen from this point.
• This garden will be always snow covered from Poush to Falgun each year when it seems very beautiful and enjoyable to play with snow.
• This place provides cool physical and mental relaxation when other places are getting hotter in summer season.
• Various herbal spices of flora and fauna made this place a sensational area of research for Botanists.
• In mid of the Falgun month, jungle area of this place will be covered by red Lali Gurans, the national flower of Nepal.
• A memorial stone exists here, which consists all human right sections declared in the UN charter.
• Garden management committee is considering for providing infrastructure facilities such as electricity, water, picnic shades.

Let us visit once the friendship garden and feel its real magic !!

Kulekhani Hydro Electricity

Indrasarowar (Indra Lake) is a reservoir (cistern) for Kulekhani Hydro Electricity project that produces 92 Megawatt electricity. The reservoir covers the land which was occupied by for about four thousands Ropani cultivated land four hundred fifty houses and fifty corn mills. The reservoir is 7 km long and 100 meters deep. The name “Indrasarowar” has been given after the name of Her Royal Highness Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, whose statue has also been kept there. It is in 21-km southeast from the place called “Kunchhal “ in Tribhuwan highway, which links Hetauda, famous industrial town, to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is in about one thousand five hundred thirty-meter above the sea level. The minimum water level enough to run two water turbines is 1,480 meter and it takes 30 cm to 50 cm of water in a day to generate electricity. The lake, where water is collected from the rivers and streams in the northern part of Makwanpur district Daman, Palung, Tistung, Chitlang and Markhu is very important for tourism point of view. The main feature of this reservoir is that water can be reserved here when the electricity is not produced. There is no another reservoir of this system in Nepal. The project supplies about one third of electricity of total demand in the country. The contribution of people of 12 village development committee i.e. Daman, Palung, Bajrabarahi, Tistung, Chitlang, Markhu, Kulekhani, Phakhel, Sisneri, Bhimphedi, Nibuwatar and Bhainse, who were displaced by this project is praiseworthy. A five year plan for the protection of Indrasarowar (Indra Lake) is going to be implemented in near future in cost of Yuro Dollar fifteen million by Bagmati Integration Water Management Project in the financial assistant of European Union. Indrasarowar is not only the pride of people of Makwanpur district but also the center of attraction of the country. The biggest artificial lake surrounded by high hill by three side and a big man made dam in one side is very suitable for entertainment by boating. Transportation facilities and small hotels are available there. Especially people gathers there to enjoy boating in summer season. Another attraction is fish farming in the reservoir. Some go there to have nice taste of fish. Indrasarowar has fascinated all with its cool climate and natural beauty. Indrasarowar (Indra Lake) will certainly play important role for Internal Tourism Promotion of Nepal. Source: Bhanubhakta Acharya, Hetauda

The Martyr's Memorial Park

Human civilization history is full of revolution and struggle. Alike in other parts of world, in our country Nepal, Martyrs have contributed their life for the sake of people's freedom and prosperity. Those who invested their life for other's happiness are absolutely great. The word "Martyr" is respectable in itself. Either Bhakti Thapa who fought against the British feudalism; Dasrath Chand, Dharmabhakta, Gangalal and Sukraraj who fought with Rana family rulings; Ratna Kumar Bantawa, Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa, Durganand Jha etc. who existed their life on deferent struggle all these are great and respectable for Nepal and Nepalese people.Martyr is a history in itself. Human history will be incomplete without referring the contribution of martyrs. Giving honor to martyrs on just ritual basis could not reflect a true honor to them. Internalization of the martyr's thought and materialization of their dreams into practice is the true way of giving honor to them. This is today's real need.Today, we are confining martyrs on political boundaries that could not be perceived a healthy practice. Martyrs are not anyone's personal / group property. So, their contribution should be evaluated irrespective of group politics viewpoint. Internalizing this truth, Hetauda Municipality has tried to establish a Martyr's memorial park including 12 martyr's statues, which is a new type effort in Nepal. However, this is just a small effort and which is very negligible in comparison to the martyr's contribution. Background of the Martyr's Memorial Park The place selected for this park is situated into east-west highway at Hetauda Municipality ward No. 11, 4 km approx. northwest from Hetauda city.Previously, according to religious thought, this area was famous by naming "Punya Kshetra" (Holy Area). Nature and full of natural scenic beauty also bless this area.From the east-west highway, this place is accessible within 5-7 minutes by vehicle and could be there within 10-20 minutes by foot. Nearby the park, an idol of god Laxmi Narayan that is established by Manab Dharma Sewa samittee is famous by name of "Holy Area" which attracts to the religious people. The local people are also using this place as a good picnic spot. In 2047 BS, naming “Martyr’s Memorial Garden” first started this park. Later, Hetauda Municipality targeted to develop this place as a park and a tourist place as well. Many institutions have contributed to develop infrastructure of this park for which Hetauda Municipality is always obliged. It also expects such cooperation from all in future. We have tried our best to provide brief introduction of 12 martyrs whose statute is established in park. However, some important information may be missing here. We apologize for the same. Publisher: Hetauda Municipality The Memorial Monument The main attraction is the carved monument itself. The rock has 12 faces engraved on its three sides. On the south side are: Bhakti Thapa, Shukra Raj Shastri, Dasharath Chandra, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, and Ganga Lal Shrestha. On the east are: Bhim Dutt Panta, Biren Rajbanshi, Yagya Bahadur Thapa, Durgananda Jha and Muneshori Yadav. On the West Side are: Prabhakar Paudel and Ratna Kumar Bantawaa.This engraving of 12 faces in a single rock stands unique in Nepal. The Fountain Park Nepal Tobacco Co. has contributed to set up a park with wooden benches surrounding an artificial fountain. One can rest and have a good view of other attractions from this area. The Tower A two-tier view tower that gives good view of the monument, mini zoo, temple as well as the industrial district of HID, River Rapti and other scenic surrounding was constructed courtesy of Narayani Transportation Workers Association. The Temple Local entrepreneur Ranjendra Singhal has constructed a goddess temple, which now serves in such ceremonies as marriages and rite of passages (Bratavandha), for boys. The Mini Zoo To the north of the monument about 10 katthas of land has been acquired to make a mini zoo. At present there are two Chittals (dears), three Ratuamrigas (red dears), one peacock and about 30 rabbits and other birds and animals in open as well as closed encampments. The Martyr's The rock was brought from the Local River Saraswati. Three students from Fine Arts Campus (Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti) Govinda Chaudhari, Kamlesh Maharjan and Prithvi Shrestha worked for almost a year to engrave 12 faces to complete the main memorial. The martyrs included are: Bhakti Thapa, BS 1802-1872, Deuthal, British Dasharath Chandra, BS 1960-1997, Sobha Bhagwati, Rana Ganga Lal Shrestha, BS 1975-1997, Sobha Bhagwati, Rana Dharma Bhakta Mathema, BS 1965-1997, Siphal, Rana Shukra Raj Shastri, BS 1950-1997, Pachali, Rana Bhim Dutt Panta, BS 1983-2010, Dadeldhura, Transition govt. Durga Nanda Jha, BS 1999-2020, Janakpur, Panchayat Biren Rajbanshi, BS 2001-2029, Sukhani, Panchayat Cpt. Yagya Bahadur Thapa, BS -2035, Okhaldhunga, Panchayat Ratna Kumar Bantawa, BS 2008-2035, Evang, Panchayat Prabhakar Poudel, BS 2021-2036, Hetauda, Panchayat Muneshori Yadav, BS 2001-2046, Yadkuwa, Panchayat

The Martyr's

Bhakti Thapa (1802-1872)	Dashrath Chand (1960-1997)
Bhakti Thapa was the symbol of bravery and courage that was born on 1802 BS. He fought till death against the English army in the historical "Deuthal War". On 1815 BS when he was 70 years, he led Nepalese army team. Though Nepalese team was not equipped with modern weapons like English troop, his courage and bravery is always memorable.	Dasharatbjhh Chand was one of the four Martyrs of 104 years Rana family based ruling who was born on 1960 BS at Baitadi. He was arrested and tortured with blame of making effort to end Rana ruling and establishment of democracy. But he did not confessed on his trust. Thus Ranas shot him dead on 14 Magha 1997 at Shova Bhagabati, Kathmandu.
Gangalal Shrestha (1975-1997 BS)	Dharmabhakta Mathema (1965-1997 BS)
He was born on 1975 BS and when he gave his life for the sake of nation and Democracy against Rana Ruling, he was just of 19 years. Being perceived as a child, Rana rulers proposed to escaper from death by confessing for his doing. But Gangalal did not confessed and became ready to hug death. He also shot dead with Dasharath Chand on same date, it place.	This martyr, son of Aadibhakt Mathema who born in 1965 BS hanged till death by Rana rulers on 12 Magha 1997 at Sifal, Kathmandu.
Sukraraj Shastri (1950-1997 BS)	Ratna Kumar Bantawa (2008-2035 BS)
He was son of a social worker Madhav Raj Shastri. He spent some his time in India and became inspired from the Indian political movement. He came back in Nepal on 1995 BS and engaged in Anti-Rana movement. As a result he hanged till death in Pachali, Kathmandu.	He was born on 2008 BS. He was founder central member of Nepal Communist Party (ML). He was a courageous political fighter who passed on in a battle with police on 2035 Chaitra 27.
Muneswori Yadav (2001-2046 BS)	Biren Rajbansi (2001/2002-2029 BS)
He had taken lead in people's political movement in 2046 BS. In Yedukuha , Dhanusha he injured by police bullet and passed on the way to hospital.	He was born on Jyamirgadhi, Jhapa and has a prestigious image on public locality. He started his political life since 2026 BS. Panchayati rulers shot him dead on 2029 Falgun 21 BS.
Yaga Bahadur Thapa (0000-2035 BS)	Prabhakar Poudel (2021-2036 BS)
Okahldhunga armed movement has its own importance which was conducted to reform the seized democracy in 2017 BS. Martyr Yagya bahadur Thapa was hero of that movement. He was arrested and shot dead by police in 2035 Magh 26 BS.	As a son of Thakurnath Poudel and Dol Kumari Poudel he was born on 2021 B.S. He was just 15 years old when he participated in student's political movement in 2036 BS at Hetauda where he shot dead by police. Students of Hetauda used to celebrate each year as Martyr's day in his memory.
Durga Nanda Jha (1999-2020 BS)	Bhim Dutt Pant (1983-2010 BS)
He was one of the heroes of Janakpur Bomb episode in 2018 BS. He was arrested and jailed at Bhadragol Jail. He hanged till death in jail on 2020 Magh 15BS.	He was a courageous fighter from western part of Nepal who tried to organize a armed force (with army dress). This was basically to protect farmer's rights. During the anti feudalism and anti Delhi treaty movement he was killed by Indian army on 2010 Shrawan 10 BS.

Hetauda, Makwanpur at a Glance

Introduction
This district covers an area of 2426 sq. Km. In the east, west, south and north part of the district, there are Bagmati River, Lother River, Churiya range and Chandragiri hill respectively. This district ranges from 166m to 2584 m from the sea level. The highest part of the district is Simbhanjyang (2584m) whereas the lowest part is Hattidhunga of Rai Gaun. The district is almost triangle shaped, Three types of climate conditions namely sub tropical, tropical and temperate can be found here. Three fourth part of the district is covered with hills where as rest consists of Terai plains.

Physical Facilities

In comparison to other parts of the district, Hetauda is highly developed with the restoration of democracy though the development work has been carried out rapidly, most village of the district have not got their fair share yet. The main problem is health facilities. Although there are many health center and health posts in the villages, people do not get adequate health services due to the absence of health workers. Even people of Hetauda do not receive proper health facilities although the regional hospital is the VDCs are linked with motor road. There is a district post office at Hetauda, which has expanded its services all over the district. Tele-communication service is also satisfactory. Although these have not reached all points of district, the Tele-communication office has provided the service to those area where is possible. It is also studying the possibilities of expanding its service. In addition to those, other facilities such as transport, education, water supply etc. are satisfactory.

Occupation

People are engaged in different occupation to earn their livelihood. Most people are engaged in agriculture. They depend on other areas too. But due to problem of higher education, most of the youth are compelled to be remained unemployed.

Casts and religion

We can find a combination of different castes and religion in this district. Most of the people of the district are Hindus though; there are Muslims, Christians and Buddhists as well. The major caste of the district is "Tamang" about 45.9% of total population. In addition to this, other castes are Brahman, Chhretti, Newar, Gurung, Tharu, Muslim, Magar. Chepang and Rai. Chepang is a rare caste, found only in this district. So, the district development committee Makwanpur has played vital role for their development and stability. Moreover, the district development committee has organized a program of free education system for them because educated Chepang can be counted in hand. Besides this, the government and NGOs have organized some professional programs in their village.

Natural Resources

Of the total land, 67.3% is covered with natural forest. Sal, Saj, Asna, Jamuna, Salla, spices, Katus and Utis are the main vegetation, found in the district. The southern part of the district is covered with sub tropical and tropical forest whereas the northern part is covered with temperate forest. Different herbal plants are also found here such as Rajbriksha, Chirais, Sugadhwal, Tejpat and Timur. One herbal farm is also operated at Hetauda under the authority of government. A British company has started studied about the possibility of petroleum products in this district. It has found some possible places but it has no prepared its final research report yet. The next natural resource of this district is water resource. Using the water of Indra Sarobar Lake, the government has produced electricity and the whole country is dependent on it.