Kathmandu, April 24

Of the total 753 temples and heritage monuments damaged or destroyed in the 2015 earthquakes, 649 still await reconstruction even as the country is set to mark third anniversary of the devastating quake tomorrow.

According to Department of Archaeology, 97 temples, rest houses and heritage monuments have been reconstructed so far. Ninety per cent the reconstructed structures were partially damaged and comparatively smaller.

The reconstruction of the heritage monuments is being undertaken by the DoA with financial support from the National Reconstruction Authority.

Apart from DoA, the reconstruction work is also being carried out by local bodies, donors, I/NGOs, locals, Guthi Sansthan and museums of three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley. The architectural designs, means and modes for reconstruction, consolidation, retrofitting are approved by the DoA.

DoA has signed the agreements with various organisations of Sri Lanka, China, Switzerland, Japan and USA for the reconstruction of temples.

Of the total 97 reconstructed temples, 35 temples are in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hanumandhoka, Patan, Bhaktapur, Bouddha, Swoyambhu and Changu Narayan.

Similarly, 11 temples in Gorkha, seven temples in Kavre, seven in Dolakha, three temples in Ramechhap, and one each in Dhading, Nuwakot and Mahottari districts have also been reconstructed.

DoA Director General Bhes Narayan Dahal said, “Lack of skilled manpower and construction materials such as timber and traditional bricks had delayed the reconstruction process. Since we are now familiar with the difficulties, there will be no further delay in the reconstruction of heritage monuments.”

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