Reconstruction of 380 archaeological and cultural sites completed

Published On: August 11, 2019 04:30 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Aug 11: The reconstruction of 380 archaeological and cultural sites destroyed by the 2015 earthquakes has been completed as of Wednesday.

A total of Rs 2.12 billion was spent on the reconstruction of the 380 sites, of which 96 are world heritage monuments and the remaining 284 are other archaeological and cultural sites, according to the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA).

The major sites like Gaddi Baithak, Natyeshwor Temple, Krishna Mandir, Nagaraghar, and Taleju Temple of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square have been reconstructed. The statue of Pratap Malla has also been restored in the area. Similarly, reconstruction of Khauma Gate, Siddhilaxmi Temple, and Narayan Temple of Bhaktapur area has been completed.

Other major sites including Kileshwor Temple, the main temple of Changunaryan, Pratappur Temple, Ananatapur Temple, and Anandakuti Mahabihar have also been reconstructed.

Likewise, the statue of Yognarendra Malla has been restored in the Patan Durbar Square. The historical Krishna Mandir has also been protected by the authority.

Jangahiranya Hemnarayan Temple located at Thapathali and Boudhanath Stupa at Boudha have also been reconstructed.

According to the NRA, the work of private housing has progressed because of which the NRA will now work prioritizing the reconstruction of archaeological and cultural sites. The reconstruction of 250 sites is ongoing in the current FY 2019/20.

Ranipokhari, Dharahara, Kastamandap, Nine-Story Durbar of Basantapur, Rato Machhindranath Temple, Seven-Story Durbar of Nuwakot are some of the major sites where reconstruction is ongoing.

China, India, the US, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, and Japan have provided financial assistance for the reconstruction of these heritage sites.

The 2015 earthquakes had damaged 812 archaeological and cultural sites across Nepal, of which 753 are located in the 14 most affected districts and the remaining 138 in other 17 affected districts of Nepal.

A total of Rs 276.3 billion has been spent on post-earthquake reconstruction that includes government buildings, educational institutions, health centers and archeological heritages, among others. Of the total spending, Rs 175.52 billion has been sourced from the government whereas Rs 100.78 billion and Rs 40.23 billion have been sourced from bilateral assistance from donor agencies and non-governmental organizations, respectively, according to Manohar Ghimire, deputy spokesperson at the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA).

The NRA has invested Rs 45.98 billion on the reconstruction of rural roads and infrastructure, Rs 36.95 billion on educational institutions, Rs 8.40 billion on security buildings, Rs 8.28 billion on government buildings, Rs 3.10 billion on archeological heritages and Rs 451 million on health centers, according to the NRA.

The NRA had spent Rs 89.35 billion in the last FY 2018/19. Similarly, it spent Rs 22.47 billion in FY 2015/16; Rs 49.69 billion in FY 2016/17 and Rs 114.78 billion in FY 2017/18.

A total of Rs 156 billion budget has been allocated by the authority for the Fiscal Year 2019/20 to expedite reconstruction and rehabilitation of the displaced and damaged structures across Nepal. The devastating earthquake in 2015 killed around 9,000 people.