Conservationists in Nepal remove artificial lights from historic Buddhist shrine

Heritage activists, environment conservationists and representatives from civil society on Friday removed the electric lights that were placed around the historic Bouddhanath Stupa, in the outskirts of Kathmandu, as it were causing luminous pollution in the area.

Luminous pollution or light pollution is the presence of anthropogenic light in the night environment. It is exacerbated by excessive, misdirected or obtrusive uses of light, but even carefully used light fundamentally alters natural conditions. It compromises health, disrupt ecosystems and spoil aesthetic environments.

The Bouddha Ghyang Guthi that looks after the Bouddhanath -- the centuries-old largest Bouddha Stupa in the world -- had added colourful lights to the dome-shaped structure a month ago.

However, following widespread criticism from heritage conservationists and locals against the move, the Department of Archaeology (DoA) gave the Ghyang Guthi a three-day ultimatum to remove the lights and the generator, which were polluting the area, officials said.

The Stupa, situated 10 km east of capital city, is the largest Buddhist shrine in the world and is a major tourist attraction spot in Kathmandu. It is also one of the seven World Heritage Sites enlisted by UNESCO in Kathmandu.

Ganapati Lal Shrestha, a heritage activist, said, "The area is bright in itself. Drilling on the wall and keeping artificial lights was nonsense. We are thankful to the people who participated in the campaign (to remove the lights).