Kathmandu Valley may not be delisted from the endangered sites on the World Heritage List, says Unesco regional advisor, Richard A Engelhardt, who was in the Valley this week. "Its status has been put in a special category that asks for the Nepal government and people to seek active international support," says Engelhardt. Unesco is preparing an assessment report on Nepal and will soon have an 'action plan' to control activities endangering the zones.

One of their main concerns is the growth of shopping malls, modern buildings and hotels that are rapidly replacing the traditional houses and buildings that surround the monuments. Uncontrolled urban development is the main factor endangering our world heritage sites. The blame lies partially with past governments that failed in their conservation responsibilities. "But there is still hope," concluded Engelhardt, "if people in the Valley are educated and encouraged to promote traditional Nepali architecture." He acknowledged that the country lacks technical manpower.

Lumbini, another World Heritage Site, could possibly lose its status too. "This is not Unesco's view but my own," says the regional adviser, who expressed unhappiness with the reconstruction of Maya Devi Temple, an important part of Lumbini. "The temple does not spiritually validate the place and does more damage." Unesco wants to revive the master plan by renowned Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange in 1978.