Kathmandu, July 10

National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has proposed additional Rs 50,000 as housing grant for traditional settlements to preserve their cultural heritage and to develop them into major tourist attractions.

The NRA has proposed initially extending Rs 50,000 on top of the Rs 300,000 individual housing grant for six settlements to revive them in their original structure, according to NRA CEO Govinda Raj Pokharel. Three settlements of Kathmandu Valley (Sankhu, Khokana and Bungamati) and three outside Kathmandu (Gorkha Durbar Square area, Nuwakot Durbar Square area and Bhimeshwore temple area of Dolakha district) have been proposed for revival in their original forms. “At least façade of houses in these settlements should be rebuilt in original form, and the proposed grant will encourage affected households in these areas to rebuild traditional-looking houses.”

NRA has also proposed that the concerned municipal offices waive the fees while granting approval of designs of the houses in traditional settlements.

There are altogether 3,000 houses in these six settlements. The steering committee meeting of NRA led by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, which is scheduled for Wednesday, may take a decision in this regard.

“If we are able to maintain originality of these settlements, these can be developed into tourist destinations and households could improve their livelihoods through various economic activities,” said Pokharel.

NRA executive committee meeting today also decided to preserve all archaeological sites in earthquake-hit areas through retrofitting at the earliest.