Lalitpur Metropolitan City has started a campaign dubbed “green fence transparent project” which aims to replace the high brick compound walls of office buildings, public university campuses and parks and playgrounds with railing fences.

The campaign kicked off on Wednesday with the inauguration of a new compound fence of Pulchowk Engineering Campus. Chiribabu Maharjan, the city mayor, and Prof Laxman Poudel, the campus chief, jointly inaugurated the green metal fence which was built after demolishing the over eight feet high brick wall.

“Besides promoting greenery and green space, this campaign also symbolises the city’s commitment to transparency. No public property or land should be behind high brick walls, hidden from the public eye,” said Maharjan.

Poudel lauded the campaign undertaken by the city to promote its green space.
“Now, anybody can see the beautiful architecture of the old Rana palace where our campus is based,” he said.

The city has also demolished the 10 feet wall around Jawalakhel football ground and the compound surrounding another football ground at Mahalaxmisthan and put up new fences.
Lalitpur residents have also praised the city’s latest campaign.

Rajan Shrestha, a resident of Mangal Bazar, said he always thought that the old compound walls around Pulchowk Engineering Campus needed an upgrade.

“Ever since the 2015 earthquake, I always had a sense of unease whenever I passed outside the campus. The compound walls were in a dilapidated state and I had a fear that they might collapse,” said Shrestha. “The campus area looks much better with the installation of the green fence. Rather than fearing for my life, I can now appreciate the greenery inside.”

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has already spent Rs 5.5 million for the campaign. The city plans to replace the compound walls of the UN office next.

“I have talked with the UN officials about the project. I think they will be convinced if they see the new fence around Pulchowk campus and the one around Jawalakhel football ground,” said Maharjan.

The ongoing campaign is a component of the greenery project adopted by the city this fiscal year. Maharjan said the project will get continuity in the coming years as well.

Already, the city has been working on various projects aimed at promoting greenery, including the plantation greenery on road verges.

“We plan to promote greenery all across the city,” said Maharjan.

His commitment to the campaign was made apparent when he decided to use the Rs 10 million allocated for his official vehicle to buy two water tankers instead.