Kathmandu, January 13

The National Authority for Reconstruction (NAR) today unveiled a four-phase post-earthquake reconstruction plan, which would be rolled out in the next three months.

Under the first phase of the reconstruction plan, NAR will establish district coordination committees and launch National Reconstruction Mega Campaign from Rani Pokhari and Bungmati simultaneously.

The mega campaign will be held on January 16, coinciding with the Earthquake Safety Day, NAR CEO Sushil Gyawali told NAR’s first Advisory Council meeting participated by leaders of various political parties here today.

The second phase of reconstruction-related activities is slated to begin on February 24.

During this phase, all policies, regulations and guidelines regarding reconstruction, and strategy for implementation of reconstruction works would be introduced.

Also, all sub-regional offices will be established in various disQtricts in this phase.

The NAR, which has opened its central office in Kathmandu, is planning to open six sub-regional offices in Dolakha, Kavre, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts. These offices will oversee reconstruction works in 14 districts that were badly hit by the earthquakes of April and May.

One sub-regional office will also be established at a convenient location to oversee reconstruction works in 17 other districts affected by quakes. Among others, a separate unit will also be established in concerned government offices of quake-affected districts to facilitate reconstruction works in the second phase.

NAR will introduce third phase of works on March 25, during which survey of damaged buildings and affected population would be conducted. During this phase, construction of model residential houses will begin in at least five districts, Gyawali said.

The final phase of works will then begin on April 24.

During this phase, five-year reconstruction plan will be unveiled and construction of residential houses will begin in at least five village development committees (VDCs) or five municipalities of every district hit by the quakes. Also, one engineer, a volunteer and construction specialist will be deployed in every VDC.

The tremors of April and May claimed around 9,000 lives and caused heavy destructions in 14 districts, including three in Kathmandu Valley. The 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.