Local people have demanded that Diyalo Bungalow at Aaptari in Bharatpur Sub-metropolis-1 be transformed into a museum.

They said the bungalow should be developed as a tourist destination by setting up the museum. The bungalow stretching over 63 bigahas of land was used by the former royal family members and is under the control of the 

Nepal Trust Office now. The property was nationalised after the abolition of monarchy in 2008. Guarded by Nepal Army, the site is not accessible to the public.

Chief District Officer Binod Prakash Singh said the historical place should be conserved and utilised. “In the past, the former kings used to stay there. Currently, we can attract foreigners to the area,” he said. The Trust officials have informed that they will move ahead after making a master plan. Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Kalyan Joshi demanded that the historical bungalow should be developed as a museum.

Locals have also advised the Trust to construct a university and a children’s park in the area. Stating that the bungalow is the historical monument, locals said they are too curious to visit the building.

The then King Mahendra Shah had constructed the building while the East-West Highway construction project was under way. Sources said the then King Mahendra used to stay in the bungalow during winter and spent his last days in the building.

Parshuram Aryal of the Trust said they have been developing historical monuments belonging to the then royal family to generate revenue. He said the Trust will develop such historical places as per locals’ preferences.