On October 5, Monday, Kathmandu: Locals have protested against the new master plan prepared by Pashupati Area Development Fund alleging that the master plan has been prepared to destroy the ancient settlements and destroy the local culture and pilgrimage. The agitation started as the plan was developed without coordinating with the locals and local bodies and also without reviewing the old plan.

The first master plan prepared by the fund in 2052 BS was approved in 2056 BS and was implemented from 2058 BS. The Pashupati Area Development Fund has sent a revised master plan to the ministry last July with a proposal to vacate the settlement up to Sifal.

The 100-year master plan prepared by the fund envisages the removal of settlements from Bhubaneswari temple to Sifal in the long run and the fund was going to displace the old settlements living within the four forts of the Pashupati area and commercialize the Jatra festivals.