Kathmandu, January 11

A meeting of steering committee of National Authority for Reconstruction (NAR) held today decided to establish seven sub-regional offices to execute various works in quake-affected districts.

The meeting led by Prime Minister KP Oli has decided to open six offices in Dolakha, Kavre, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts to oversee reconstruction works in 14 districts that were badly hit by the quakes of April and May.

The quakes have badly affected Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, Kavrepalanchowk, Ramechhap, Bhaktapur, Okhaldhunga, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Makwanpur.

Besides, districts such as Lamjung, Chitwan, Tanahu, Khotang, Syangja, Palpa, Baglung, Gulmi, Solukhumbu, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Arghakhachi, Nawalparasi, Bhojpur, Dhankuta and Sankhuwasabha have also been affected by the quakes.

“One sub-regional office will be established at a convenient location to oversee reconstruction works in these 17 districts affected by the quakes,” NAR Acting Secretary Madhu Sudan Adhikari said.

A budget of Rs 296.79 million has been allocated to establish all these offices and cover other administrative costs of the current fiscal year. Today’s steering committee meeting has also decided to commence National Reconstruction Mega Campaign from Rani Pokhari and Bungamati on January 16.

“NAR has decided to request President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to inaugurate the mega campaign from Rani Pokhari, while PM Oli will do the same from Bungamati,” Adhikari said.

Also, today’s meeting has empowered the NAR to rope in any staff from any government office to execute reconstruction works.

The tremors of April and May claimed around 9,000 lives and caused heavy destructions in 14 districts, including three in the Valley. Quakes also completely destroyed around 591,647 private houses, affected livelihoods of about 5.6 million workers and caused damage and losses worth around Rs 706.46 billion.