Kathmandu, April 24

National Reconstruction Authority today said contract for the reconstruction of Dharahara would be signed within 15 days and foundation laid within this fiscal.

Not a single brick has been laid to reconstruct the Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks that had collapsed in the earthquake even three years after the devastating 2015 earthquakes.

Speaking at a press meet organised here today, NRA Secretary Arjun Kumar Karki said, “The contract for Dharahara reconstruction will be awarded within 15 days. The contractor will have to reconstruct the iconic tower within 12 months to 15 months.”

The historic 225 feet tall tower was built by the first prime minister of Nepal Bhimsen Thapa in 1825. The tower was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1934 and was later rebuilt almost half of its original size.

The NRA said  the new Dharahara would be earthquake resilient, while the remains of the original tower will be enclosed in a glass structure.

The proposed new Dharahara will be approximately 294 feet tall with two elevators.

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