KATHMANDU, Oct 19: A mission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has expressed concern over the reconstruction progress of the heritage sites damaged by 2015 earthquake in Nepal. 

The reactive monitoring mission of the UNESCO, which is in Kathmandu to study the latest situation of seven heritage sites, held a meeting with the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) CEO Sushil Gyewali on Friday. 

Representatives of the World Heritage Center in the mission Gamini Wijesuriya suggested to the NRA to maintain the record of reconstruction progress adding that Nepal has an opportunity to preserve the heritage sites. 

Similarly, international expert at the International Council on Monuments and Sites, Catherine Forbes, appreciated Nepal's initiatives for the master plan for the reconstruction of heritage sites. Out of 140 structures damaged by the 2015 quake in seven heritage sites in Kathmandu, the reconstruction of 90 structures has been completed so far, according to the NRA. 

Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Hanumandhoka Durbar, Patan Durbar, Bhaktapur Durbar, Changunarayan and Bauddhanath areas are listed under the World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO. 

CEO Gyewali informed the mission that Nepal has expedited the reconstruction of quake-ravaged heritage sites with priority. He also briefed the mission on the heritage reconstruction master plan for the Kathmandu Valley and outside. 

UNESCO representative to Nepal, Christian Manhart, said that quality should be focused while aiming to conclude the reconstruction at earliest. 

The mission is mandated to study the preservation status of heritage sites and the implementation of advisory mission's recommendation, among other issues.

 
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