By Gyanu Pandey, Kapilvastu, Nov. 22: A master plan of the Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilvastu), the hometown of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha), has reached the final stage.

The master plan has been prepared with the objective of developing the hometown of Lord Buddha as an International Heritage and Cultural City.

On Saturday, Lumbini Development Trust Vice-Chairman Bhikchhu Mettetya unveiled a picture of the structures being constructed under the master plan.

The master plan was being formulated for three years to develop Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa, Sisahaniya, Jagdishpur Lake and other areas as tourist destinations. Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa are related with life of the Buddha.

The initial cost is estimated at Rs 20 billion. As there is also a risk of the riverine area, the total estimated cost will come after consulting with the international experts, Mettetya said.

Preparations have also been made to complete the master plan and submit it to the Government of Nepal within two months.

Architect Dr. Sanjay Upreti and his team have been working on the master plan.

Bhola Gupta, Mettetya’s personal secretary, said that the master plan, which is being prepared from Tilaurakot Durbar, Sagarhawa, Jagdishpur Lake, including the historic Bhagirathi (now Banganga) River, is a scheme to change the face of ancient Kapilvastu.

Upon the completion of the Lumbini Master Plan, the aim is to develop locals not only outside the walls but also in an inclusive manner.

Accordingly, World Buddhist Village will become a museum. Under the master plan, three well-equipped hotels will be constructed. The appearance of the hotel will give a glimpse of the beautiful, picturesque and auspicious palace built for Siddhartha Gautam.

A statue of Buddha and small parks will be constructed on the bank of the river Banganga, about eight kilometres between Jagdispur Lake and Ramghat Bridge.

An International Vipassana Meditation Centre with a capacity to accomodate 250 people, a Centre for International Buddhist Studies with a capacity of 500 people and a 20-foot long crematorium area will also be constructed.