In an effort to contribute to the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a dilapidated and damaged Primary School, a team consisting of two Civil Engineers (Er. Sasin Prajapati and Er. Aashish Lageju) and an Architect (Ar. Rabita Shilpakar) from the Technical Section undertook a visit to Surumkhim village, located in Sidhingwa Rural Municipality, ward no 7, Taplejung from Poush 17th to Poush 24th, 2080. Over the course of an 8-day trip, the team engaged in documentation and survey activities for three days, encompassing a comprehensive study of both the school area and the entire village. Utilizing tools such as Visual Investigation, Questionnaire surveys, Total Station, DGPS, and Drone Survey, they aimed to gather essential data.
While the primary focus was on preparing the DPR for the school, the team concurrently conducted a broader study on the socio-economic aspects of the community and the prevalent construction methodologies in the region. Interactions with village officials, including Mr. Laxman Tamang (Ward Chairman of Sidhingwa Rural Municipality Ward 7), Mr. Jairub Limbu (Chairman of the School Management Committee), Mr. Jaharman Tamang (school principal), and other school staff, not only delved into the existing condition of the school but also explored the overall educational landscape with the rural municipal authority. Additionally, the team participated in a community interaction program organized by the School Committee, during which Er. Sasin Prajapati, head of the Technical section, shed light on Bhaktapur Municipality's efforts to enhance sectors like education and health. Discussions also touched upon the potential positive impact of public participation in social and construction activities for the development of Bhaktapur city.
A site survey in the village uncovered several challenges, including a disorganized road map to the village, a lack of connection with the Nepal Electricity Authority necessitating reliance on renewable energy sources, primitive health facilities, a low socio-economic status, dependence on agriculture for livelihood, and a disconnect with the market, aside from modern amenities.
This hands-on experience provided the team with insights into the architectural practices within the village, where indigenous construction technology was employed. Villagers constructed two-story houses and school buildings using locally available materials such as stone, mud, and wood (Utis and Katus) for wall construction, complemented by thatched roofs in some of the older structures. CGI roofs, known for their low maintenance costs and easy installation, were also prevalent. The recent adoption of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) was observed in new houses, with semi-basement floors featuring cast columns and ground floors constructed using locally sourced wood.
Beyond the technical aspects, the team immersed themselves in village life, witnessing firsthand the commendable efforts of students striving for education despite challenging family backgrounds dependent on agriculture. The Surumkhim experience transcended a mere engineering project; it became a poignant testament to resilience and determination within a community striving for progress.
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