Kathmandu, November 20

The government has stepped up reconstruction of archaeological, historical, cultural and religious heritages damaged in the devastating earthquakes last year.

According to the Department of Archaeology, as many as 743 structures of archeological importance were damaged in the earthquakes. Of them, 417 are in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

A total of 133 structures of archaeological importance had collapsed, 95 had sustained partial damage and 515 minor damage, according to the DoA.

It informed that reconstruction of some heritages had already been concluded and 48 heritages were under recovery process throughout the country.

Bouddhanath Stupa, a world heritage site, has been fully restored and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to open it to the public on Tuesday, said an official at DoA.

Similarly, reconstruction of Bhaktapur-based Badrinarayan Temple, Jagannath Temple, Bhaktapur Gate, Kileshwor Mahadev Temple and Kirtipur-based Bhagawati Temple have also been concluded. Reconstruction of three heritage monuments — Khauma Dwaar (entry gate to Bhaktapur Durbar Square), Narayan Mandir and Badri Narayan Mandir — of Bhaktapur Durbar Square have almost been completed.

The DoA also said that it had already initiated the process of reconstructing 80 other heritage monuments.

The government had developed a plan of action for reconstruction of all archaeological and cultural heritage sites across the country. The DoA has entrusted the government of China with reconstructing the Basantapur-based nine-storey palace and the seven-storey palace of Nuwakot.

However, Trailokya Mohan, Indrayani, Kankeshwori, Naradevi and Jaisedewal temples on the premises of Basantapur Durbar Square will be reconstructed by the DoA itself.

Similarly, the DoA has moved ahead with the reconstruction of heritage sites like Patan-based Jagatnarayan temple, Bhaktapur-based National Art Gallery, Taba Sattal and Batsaladevi temple and Swoyambhu-based Pratappur temple.

The DoA has already signed an MoU with the Government of Sri Lanka for the reconstruction of Rato Machhindranath temple in Lalitpur and Anandakuti Mahabihar in Swoyambhu.

The DoA has also taken over the responsibility of restoring Shiva temple in Ranipokhari from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City after the latter failed to reconstruct it.