KATHMANDU, The construction of an 84-feet-tall statue of Lord Gautam Buddha is underway at Yunga Dong, a large stone site in Bhotenamlang, Ward No. 7 of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk. Work is moving ahead at an accelerated pace.According to Rural Municipality Chairperson Tashi Lama, the statue carries immense religious, cultural, and tourism significance for the region. Regarded as the pride project of the municipality, the initiative has been ongoing for the past four years.

Unlike traditional methods where statues are assembled from multiple pieces, this one is being carved out of a single massive stone. The construction of the Buddha’s head has already been completed.The project is estimated to cost Rs 30 million, with the goal of completion by next year. It is being carried out in coordination with the rural municipality, Bagmati Province, and with technical assistance from the National Academy of Fine Arts.

“This initiative aims to promote religious tourism, contribute to local economic development, and establish Panchpokhari Thangpal as both a spiritual hub and an international destination,” said Lama.He further added that the names of individuals and organizations contributing financially to the project will be engraved on the stone as a token of gratitude.