Martyrs Memorial park Jhapa

The Sahid memorial park, also locally known as Martyrs Memorial Park is a famous local tourist destination located in Salbari at Arjundhara Municipality-7 which is about 5km northeast from the Birtamode city of Jhapa district. This Park is built as a tribute and is named after five martyrs of the Jhapa Andolan, which began in 2028 BS and was led by the CPN(ML) at that time. It was officially inaugurated in 2070BS, by the contemporary President of the Assembly, Mr. Subhashchandra Nembang. Sahid memorial park is located at an elevation of 137 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 100 hectares that spreads along the side of Aduwa Khola. The whole compound has a peaceful and captivating environment that includes Sal trees and variety of other tree species, a lake, tortoise conservation center, community forests, and statues and artistic sculptures.

This Park is a pleasant recreational area where visitors can enjoy the natural scenery along with other amenities. It attracts a huge number of visitors during weekends and other occasions. This place can be easily reached from Birtamode and entered with a ticket of Nrs 30 and also has a paid parking facility worth Nrs 20. Sahid Memorial Park also offers a boating facility at a reasonable price. Outside the park, there are a few stalls selling local foods as well as water and cold drinks.

After this park was designed and constructed, it was dedicated to the martyrs who lost their life during the Jhapa Andolan that started from 2028 BS against the then Panchayat Rule. At that time, five revolutionaries were imprisoned in Jhapa and, in accordance with Panchayat rules at the time, were killed in the Sukani forest on Falgun 21st, 2029 BS, while on their way to Illam.

Sahid memorial park is a natural ecosystem with its own historical and ecological significance. Here, the Sal trees provide a very fresh and natural ambience and the reflection of the forest in the lake gives a picturesque view. Some of the other species of trees in the forest includes Jamuna, barro, harro, tatari, etc. The forest is handed over to local people for protection, management, and utilization while making them aware of the value of trees of various species. In addition to this, this site also houses a Turtle Conservation Centre where at least 7 different species of turtle are estimated to be conserved and rescued. This conservation center is the biggest and the only community-owned turtle conservation center in Nepal. These features of this park have been creating a well-recognized identity of itself not just among local people but in the whole country.

The five martyrs who lost their life in the tragic political event are:

-Article written by: Ujjwal Bhetwal for Land Nepal