KATHMANDU, Dec 7: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has expedited the reconstruction of the monuments of historical, cultural and archaeological significance that were damaged by the Gorkha Earthquake in April last year. 

A progress report unveiled by the Ministry here today states that the rebuilding of such monuments was highly prioritized besides those ones enlisted in the UNSECO World Heritage Site list. 

Spokesperson of the Ministry and Joint-Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyay shared that the renovation and reconstruction of quake-damaged cultural heritages and tourist spots were carried out in a fast pace. 

Of the total 132 such monuments and places, the reconstruction work is underway for 47 monuments across various places in the Kathmandu Valley, according to Spokesperson Upadhyay. 

Manakamana Temple at Bungamati, Bajrayogini Temple at Sankhu, Bhagawan Bahala at Naxal, Bansha Gopal Temple at Hanuman Dhoka and Aananda Kuti Bihar at Swayambhu among others were currently undergoing reconstruction, the progress report states. 

Similarly, out of 34 regional and indigenous museums proposed to be built, 11 are already constructed, according to the progress report. 

The UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and JICA have pledged financial assistance for the reconstruction of the quake-damaged historical and cultural monuments. RS