2 june, Rampur- The local entrepreneurs here have pressed for preserving the Rani Mahal (Queen’s Palace) that lies on the bank of Kali Gandaki River in Palpa district.
The palace was built by Khagda Sumsher JB Rana in commemoration of his consort Tej Kumari Rana in 1954 BS. It lies some 13 kilometres east of the district headquarter Tansen.
Palpa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Shailendra Bhattarai underscored the need to provide basic amenities as of food, accommodation for the tourists visiting this historic monument which attracts some 3,000 to 10,000 domestic and foreign visitors on a daily basis.
He also suggested the collection of entrance fee on the visitors which could be used for protection of the palace.
Similarly, Palpa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Bhojendra Prakash Dhakal said the visitors coming to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, could be attracted if the Rani Mahal area was protected and promoted.
Development of basic infrastructures, including good motorable road, is a prerequisite to bringing in more and more visitors to this historic palace. The palace has two ponds, a temple, a garden, stable and accommodation for female devotees.
The local entrepreneurs were also concerned over the treasures of the palace that were at risk of being stolen or dilapidated in lack of adequate protection.
Occasional repair, renovations and cleanliness drives have taken place at the initiative of the Department of Archeology under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The Ministry also handed over the Palace’s ownership to Tansen Municipality last year.
District Coordination Committee, Tourism Office, Bhairahawa, District Soil Protection Office, Gorkhadal battalion of Nepal Army, District Police Office, Rani Mahal committee, Baganaskali rural municipality, Tansen municipality and local youth clubs among others have been working on the conservation of this palace. (RSS)
