BHAKTAPUR: The reconstruction of ancient monuments with archaeological importance on the premises of Bhaktapur Durbar Square that were ravaged by April 25 earthquake last year, has been expedited.

Reconstruction of three monuments; Khauma entrance to the Durbar Square, Narayan Temple and Badri Narayan Temple in the area are at their final stage while reconstruction works for over a dozen others are underway, said  locals.

The post-quake reconstruction project costs an estimated Rs 3.9 million with the monetary aid from the Bhaktapur Municipality Office and the Durbar Care and Monument Protection Office (DCMPO), Department of Archaeology.

Consultations are underway on whether to daub the monuments in the way that applied before the damages, said Municipality Office Engineer Surya Khaburja.

Likewise, the Municipality said works are underway to repair and daub the fence surrounding the local Siddhapokhari (pond), apart from reconstruction of Kamal Vinayak Sattal, Chhuma Ganesh and Kushi Pwak and works to conserve the Taleju Bhawani Temple.

Likewise, a contract agreement has been reached to reconstruct the Anantalingeshwar Temple with the investment of about Rs 11 million and the Dakshin Barahi Temple at the cost of approximately Rs 7.6 million, in Dadhikot, said an engineer for the DCMPO, Mohan Krishna Shrestha.