Community led post-earthquake heritage reconstruction in Patan–issues and lessons learned

Abstract

Earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit Nepal on April 25, 2015 leading to severe damage to its heritage buildings. Cultural heritage is an expression of the ways of living, developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation including customs, practices, places, tangible objects, artistic expressions, and values. In addition to the reconstruction of monuments within Patan Durbar Area, Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) is working with communities of Patan and providing technical support to the reconstruction of their community buildings such as Phalcha / Pati, Chaapa:,Sattal, Guthighar and Aganchhen. Communities in collaboration with local government and lead agencies for heritage conservation are addressing heritage reconstruction. Community-led reconstruction is recognised by both Government of Nepal (GoN) and public as an important approach. The purpose of this paper is to examine community-led reconstruction approach undertaken by communities of Patan and share issues, success stories and lessons learnt where KVPT provided technical support. A literature review of documents related to the reconstruction and heritage buildings were conducted. Following a case study method and using qualitative method, data is captured from community members and technical personnel involved in reconstruction. A comparative chart with case studies is created to depict the issues hindering community-led heritage reconstruction. From this study it is found that people of Patan have sense of belonging to their heritage. They are interested in taking part and leading the reconstruction process. However, challenges exist in terms of budget, awareness on traditional methods and construction management, technical, social process and bureaucratic procedures. For successful project completion, there is a need of knowledge sharing and capacity building of communities who want to lead heritage reconstruction. The result from this paper can be used by communities as key points to frame their own reconstruction plans and by GoN to devise strategies to support communities who want to lead heritage reconstruction.

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