The federal government has decided to manage and run six structures, including the iconic Dharahara, issuing directives to operate them under the special structures operation and development committee. The committee was established following the issuance of the special structures operation and management development committee (formation order), published in the Nepal Gazette on November 18.

The listed structures include the International Convention Centre in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu, which currently houses the Federal Parliament; the Sunrise Hall in Godavari, Lalitpur; the Butwal International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Rupandehi; the Dharahara in Kathmandu; and the Damak View Tower in Jhapa.

The committee will oversee the operation of these facilities, including Dharahara, despite prior recommendations suggesting its management be handed over to local government for long-term operation.

Earlier, a study team led by Senior Divisional Engineer Lila Khatri from the Urban Development and Building Construction Department submitted a report on August 18 recommending Dharahara’s operation under Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). However, the federal government opted to retain control under the Urban Development Ministry, potentially triggering tensions between the KMC and the central government.

The newly issued order also dissolved the International Convention Centre Development Committee, which was in operation since 1994. According to the directive, management of the facilities will now fall under an executive director appointed through open competition.

The Development Committee’s central office will be located in Kathmandu, with provisions to establish branch offices near other listed structures as necessary.

While the Damak View Tower, strongly promoted by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, remains incomplete and non-operational, the government has listed it among the special structures.

Dharahara, previously managed by the KMC since 1998, was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake and rebuilt under the National Reconstruction Authority.