I applaud the initiatives taken by Mayor Sthapith ("Mr Establishment," #90) and various civil society organisations and donors to renovate and preserve key parts of Kathmandu, but their efforts, encouraging as they may be, are not enough to stem the cultural losses occurring daily. While Indra Chowk's Aakaash Bhairab temple is being renovated, the homes and shops surrounding it are being lost. I took advantage of the bandh last week to ride my bicycle through Asan and Indra Chowk, something I hadn't done since the 1980s. Absent the usual crowd, the changes in the old bazaar were startling. One by one, traditional Newar houses and shops have been transformed from brick and wood to drab concrete. The heart of Kathmandu-a cultural icon and important tourist attraction-is losing its soul.

There are successful examples in Nepal and other countries of how to preserve traditional architecture in busy commercial and residential areas. Over time, property values in many such neighbourhoods actually increase. I'm afraid that if action is not taken immediately a unique part of Kathmandu's heritage will disappear forever, causing cultural and economic damage that Nepal can ill afford.
Nick Langton
Kathmandu

- The Kathmandu Metropolitan Council under Mayor Sthapith has done a lot, but it has lots more to do. I think the KMC should begin to issue a community tax system to finance its infrastructure and services.
N Malakar
by email