Study team arrives at Sinja Valley

Jumla, March 18: A study team has arrived at Sinja, the provenance of the ‘Khas’ language, in a bid to include the Sinja Valley in the world heritage list.

The team of the Central Department of Archaeology, Kathmandu, arrived at the valley and began holding discussions with locals, according to Purna Prasad Dhital, chair of Sinja rural municipality. History, present status, and people’s perspectives towards Sinja Valley were on the agenda during discussions.

The team led by the department’s chief, Saubhagya Pradhanga, arrived here for it. Dhital further informed that the study team met knowledgeable people from Hima, Sainja, and Kanakasundari rural municipalities.

“It is the first time the department’s team visited the Sinja Valley. The first phase of discussion was held with locals, local governments, and representatives of the concerned agencies so that it would create informed debate in the attempt to list the valley in the world heritage site,” Pradhananga added.

According to him, suggestions came from various sides to include the Sinja Valley in the world heritage list. So, the ancient civilization must not be encroached upon in the name of modern developments but saved for future study and significance. Not only the Sinja Valley but also the Dailekh district has historic and archaeological temples—22 combined.

The department is planning 15 new places to include in the list of world heritage sites. —RSS