KATHMANDU: Thirty per cent reconstruction of the historic Kasthamandap has been completed. The Kasthamandap Reconstruction Committee said the works are taking place in full-swing with the target of completing the reconstruction of ground floor within mid-July.

The construction is moving as per the schedule, committee chair Rajesh Shakya said. The iconic heritage made up of wood was largely damaged by the 2015 earthquake. Only 10-15 percent timber used in the original structure is reusable. Four major pillars of the structure were erected on the day of Shree Panchami on February 10.

Of the four pillars used for rebuilding, one is old and three are new. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has so far allocated Rs 55 million to the committee for the reconstruction project.

Kasthamandap is to be reinstated in its original structure and will have three floors. Timber from the Nepali saal (Shorea robusta) will be used in the construction. The roof of the monument will be covered with traditional clay-made tiles. A worship was conducted on May 14 for smooth completion of construction works.

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake had grounded Kasthamandap besides two other historic heritages in Kathmandu -- Dharahara and Rani Pokhari.