The collapse of Dharahara at Sundhara, other major monuments at Basantapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square as well as Swoyambhunath Stupa captured media headlines .
However, there are some monuments of immense historical significance that have withstood the devastating earthquake of 2015 as they did the 1934 earthquake. These monuments are also on the UNESCO World Heritage list.Nyatapola temple in the heart of Bhaktapur Durbar Square still stands tall and majestic. With only slight superficial scratches , the temple survived both 1934 and the 2015 quake. The ongoing multiple aftershocks have had no impact on its solid foundations. Neighboring Pachpanna Jyal palace, which was reconstructed some 16 years ago, has also remained unaffected.
According to Director General of the Department of Archeology, Bhesh Narayan Dahal, Datratayamath in Bhaktapur, Majhidewal in Patan and Talejubhawani at Hanuamndhoka have sustained only minor cracks.
Similarly, Pashupati nath Temple has not suffered any damage. The rush of devotes has again intensified at the famous pilgrimage sites of Pasupatinath and Guheshwori.
The Gantaghar clock tower at the premise of Tri Chandra College has suffered no damage either. After some immediate repair, the grand old clock now chimes the hours just like before.
On the other hand, the main temple of Changu Narayan in Bhaktapur, which survived the mega earthquake of 1934, is now on the verge of collapse. Changu Narayan temple was built on a single slab of stone.
Two of the four major temples in the courtyard have been completely damaged. Likewise, Boudhanath Stupa, one of 10 monuments in Nepal listed by UNESCO, has developed minor cracks.
As per the records at DoA, a total of 721 monuments have been affected in 20 districts across the country, out of which 33 have completely collapsed. Likewise, 95 monuments have collapsed partially, and 493 are partially damaged. The data also shows that 90 percent of the monuments in the seven heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley have been affected by the quake.
The DG at DoA said that the reconstruction of the partially-damaged monuments and rebuilding of the collapsed ones will be completed within five to seven years.
"The loss of heritage and monuments is not irreplaceable. We vow to rebuilt and repair the damaged historical sites within five to seven years and raise up the same city again," Dahal said.
DoA plans to reconstruct monuments in three phases
The DoA is planning to carry out the reconstruction of the monuments in three phases. Under the first phase, DoA will initiate protection of the remaining monuments and those that are on the verge of collapse. It will also prepare an inventory to estimate the cost for the reconstruction.
Dahal informed that they will cover up the remaining monuments and heritage sites with tarpaulins to protect them during the upcoming monsoon. "We will also shore up the remaining monuments with wooden beam before the monsoon starts," said Dahal.
In the meantime, an advisory committee will be formed to work out the financial costs and the tender offers for the reconstruction and restoration.
The reconstruction and renovation of the remaining monuments will start under a long-term plan. This task will be initiated as soon as the monsoon ends.
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