Anil Chitrakar
on
The ‘windows’ may be gone, but not the ‘hands’ that crafted them

There is a lot of pessimism about the future of Kathmandu's heritage and our ability to save this globally unique valley along with its built, living and natural endowments. The efforts by individuals and institutions over the past few decades show that it is not all bad and downhill. Artists and entrepreneurs are doing better than ever before by reviving the Kathmandu valley heritage. We just need to get the incentives right and organise ourselves better. The water spouts and wells are getting the much needed care; young people are learning to cook local food, play local musical instruments; even the politics of the day seems to favour everything 'local'. From Baudha to Swayambhu, from Patan Museum to Bhaktapur, one must see what has been achieved and draw the lessons for the future.

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Born and schooled in Nepal, Anil Chitrakar trained as an engineer and energy planner at the University of Rajasthan (India) and the University of Pennsylvania (USA). He started his career as an energy engineer for the Academy of Science and Technology when he travelled to remote areas of Nepal to transfer renewable energy technologies. Anil was part of the team that implemented the National Conservation Strategy for Nepal and went on to head the IUCN Nepal office. With the election of a democratic Mayor of Kathmandu, Anil joined the Kathmandu Metropolitan City as a member of the City Planning Commission where he focused his effort on heritage conservation and environmental management. Anil is an Ashoka Fellow and loves taking 'heritage walks' through Kathmandu.