Lumbini, Dec. 10 -- The Lumbini Master Plan, conceived 42 years ago, was developed with a sole ambition: to develop Lumbini, a historical site that sprawls across three square miles in the country's plains.

Till date, the plan has absorbed more than thrice the budget that was initially estimated and seen 38 deputy chairpersons (federal minister of tourism assumes the role of the chairperson)-all of whom, upon their appointment, vowed to lead the plan to a logical conclusion.

Fast forward to the tail end of 2019, and only 85 percent of the work is completed, inviting criticism from all quarters towards the government and the Trust. Many say the snail's pace of work has affected the identity and glory of Lumbini.

"When a project remains ...