As the historic Rana-era stadium in the center of Dhankuta district headquarters is deteriorating, interest has increased at the local level for its preservation and upgrading.

An all-party meeting organized on Tuesday at the initiative of the District Sports Development Committee Dhankuta concluded that initiatives should be taken for the maintenance, preservation and upgrading of the stadium. The stadium ground is now damaged. Due to landslides, the ground, parapets have collapsed, and even the fences have become dilapidated.

According to Manoj Chamling Rai, Chairman of the District Sports Development Committee Dhankuta, it is difficult to conduct any sports practice and competition in the stadium in the current situation. He said that the ground is deteriorating further due to various non-sports activities—such as fairs, festivals, meetings and conferences.

'The first priority is sports. The ground cannot be saved if non-sports activities are not controlled,' said Chairman Rai. The meeting was attended by players from various disciplines including football, volleyball, athletics, coaches, former players, local residents and representatives of political parties. The participants expressed the view that a clear policy and plan are needed for the sustainable conservation, systematic operation and upgrading of the stadium.

A 13-member steering committee has also been formed for the conservation and development of the stadium. The committee, coordinated by Chairman Rai, has stated that it will evaluate the current condition of the ground and prepare a plan for reconstruction, management and conservation and submit it to the concerned body.