In 1978 the master plan designed by Prof. Tange was
finalized and approved by HMG/Nepal and the U.N. In
the meantime, HMG/N was directly involved in the planning
and development of Lumbini through the formation of
the Lumbini development committee. The committee acquired
the necessary amount of land, relocated the villages
and commenced the task of creating basic infrastructure
including the afore station program in the planned area,
the master plan thus changed the face of Lumbini.
In
1985, the Lumbini Development Trust Act came into
existence and Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) was
formed accordingly. Now, the Trust in responsible
for the implementation of the Master Plan and for
the overall development of Lumbini.
Concept
of Master Plan
The
Master Plan covers an area of 1x3 sq. miles, comprising
three zones of a square mile each. The three zones
are linked with walkways and canal. These are:
(a)
Sacred Garden Zone
The
main focus of Prof. Tange's designed is the Sacred
Garden located in the southern part. The ultimate
objective of the design here is to create an atmosphere
of spirituality, peace, universal brotherhood and
non-violence consistent with the time and Buddha's
message to the world. The Sacred Garden Zone shelters
the ancient monuments at the center in a freshly restored
atmosphere of serene and lush forest and water body
surrounding the complex.
(b)
Monastic Zone
The
Monastic zone is situated in the center with the forest
area, north of the Sacred Garden complex, divided
by a canal. There are 13 monasteries in east and 29
in west Monastic Enclaves, having 42 plots each allotted
for new monasteries of Theravada and Mahayana sects
of Buddhism respectively. A research center, a library,
an auditorium and a museum that provide facilities
for research and study of Buddhism are located at
the cultural center.
(c)
New Lumbini Village
This complex is located at the intersection of the
Siddarthanagar - Taulihawa Road, which is expected
to be the principal approach route to Lumbini. As
such, the village will serve as the initial reception
point for visitors to Lumbini and will include information
and orientation facilities, as well as restaurants,
telephone office, bank, police and fire stations and
restrooms. The Village will also be the location of
the administrative offices of the Lumbini complex.
Architecturally, the Village is made up in to eight
blocks aligned with two parallel arcades. The buildings
north of the road will be utilized as the administrative
centre, while those south of the road will be occupied
by the tourist centre.
