KATHMANDU: Swoyambhunath Management and Conservation Committee (SMCC) has started managing the historically important archaeological materials of the Swoyambhunath Temple that sustained damage in the April 25 quake.

Bricks, woods and statues that were in the Anantapur, Shantipur, Pratapur and Tashi Gorma among other stupas in this World Heritage Site have been shifted to the parking area — about one kilometre from the Swoyambhunath Temple, according to Swoyambhunath Management and Conservation Committee General Secretary, Mahendraratna Buddhacharya. The objects of historical and religious significance were being moved with an objective to expedite the reconstruction and renovation of the stupas that had suffered damage in the quake, added Buddhacharya. “General public has been barred from entering the area where the significant archaeological objects are stored.”

As many as 24 houses belonging to priests of the temple were also damaged in the quake, arrangement for their accommodation has been made below the temple area.

SMCC has mobilised 35 workers to finish the job within one month.