KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 14

Construction of 21 storeys of Dharahara has been completed so far, according to the National Reconstruction Authority. After completion of the 22nd floor, the statue of Mahadev and the gajur (pinnacle) will be installed.

Reconstruction or retrofitting of Dharahara was not possible as the 2015 earthquakes had fully damaged the structure. A press release issued by the NRA said the historic Sundhara spout would be preserved with regular water supply, a new museum would be erected in the vicinity and the remains of the old Dharahara would be preserved within a glass frame in memory of the 2015 earthquakes.

Dharahara will have an underground parking facility for up to 400 four-wheelers and 700 two-wheelers.

It is expected that it will reduce parking problem in the area. According to the NRA, Dharahara will also have two lifts accommodating 10 persons each and a digital display centre on the 18th floor. The estimated cost of Dharahara construction is Rs 3.48 billion.

Similarly, retrofitting of the western facade of the main complex of Singha Durbar is under way. The retrofitting work had resumed in May amid the lockdown imposed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrofitting of the northern, southern and eastern facades have already been completed. The estimated budget for retrofitting all facades is around Rs 620 million.

The NRA had decided to preserve the original structure of the main complex through retrofitting. A study had showed that retrofitting was a better option to keep the originality of the historical building intact.

According to the finding of the study, there was no major damage to the walls. However, the wood used in the building for windows and doors had to be replaced in the course of retrofitting.

The NRA said retrofitting had been done in line with the government's policy of preserving archaeological heritages and monuments.

The iconic building of the government's administrative headquarters was damaged in 2015 by the quakes.

However, the NRA is yet to decide on the time-frame for reconstruction of historical structures.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 15, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.