Long-standing dispute between hotels, monasteries in Lumbini ends

LUMBINI: The long-standing dispute between the Lumbini Monastic Zone and the Lumbini Chapter of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has finally been resolved.

A meeting of the stakeholders, held at the initiative of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) on Wednesday, formed a working procedure to address differences between hotels operating in the Lumbini-Bhairahawa region and monasteries in Lumbini. Both sides, along with other stakeholders, have expressed commitment to implementing the working procedure.

The two sides had been at odds over facilities provided to pilgrims in monasteries within the Lumbini Master Plan area, which were seen as comparable to hotel accommodations. To mitigate the negative publicity the stand-off was generating in the international arena, the Lumbini Monastery and Pilgrim Management Working Procedure, 2024, has been prepared under the initiative of the LDT.

Speaking on the occasion, Basudev Ghimire, a member of the House of Representatives from the Rupandehi-5 constituency, said it is positive that the two sides have agreed to resolve misunderstandings through a structured working procedure. He emphasized the need to create an environment that attracts global tourists, given Lumbini’s status as an international tourist destination.

Similarly, LDT Vice Chairperson Dr. Lharkyal Lama has directed all concerned parties to fully implement the working procedure. “Since the working procedure has been prepared through discussions among representatives of both sides, as well as other stakeholders, it is the responsibility of all to implement it,” he added.

Govinda Gyawali, president of the Lumbini Chapter of HAN, said the long-standing dispute between hoteliers and monasteries has come to an end with the formation of the working procedure.

According to the working procedure, monasteries can accommodate a specific number of monks, economically disadvantaged pilgrims, and donors.