LALITPUR: The reconstruction of Degu Taleju Temple, at the world heritage site Patan Durbar Square, has not moved forward even after more than three years has passed since it was damaged by the Gorkha earthquake in 2015.

Restoration of this historic temple has been stalled due to confusion over the body responsible for undertaking the task. Patan Smarak Samrakshan tatha Durbar Herchaha Karyalaya has stated that it is yet to be decided which body -- Kathmandu Valley Development Trust (KVDT) or the government itself -- would carry out the reconstruction. The Karyalaya is the office responsible for conservation and maintenance of ancient monuments and heritages.

The Government of Japan is providing an assistance of Rs 130 million for the reconstruction of this temple.

KVDT had been carrying out reconstruction/maintenance works in this heritage site two or three years before the Gorkha earthquake struck on April 25, 2015. On the other hand, the government has started rebuilding some of the ancient temples and monuments.

Reconstruction of monuments which the government has undertaken has also not made much headway due to dillydallying by the contractors appointed by the government.

Chief of the Karyalaya, Kajiman Pyakurel, said that the reconstruction works would move ahead if KVDT itself undertook the rebuilding works instead of doing it through contractors.

"We have not been able to assign the responsibility to KVDT due to some legal provisions," he said. As per the law, government cannot give more than Rs 6 million to a non-government organisation for carrying out reconstruction works.

The Degu Taleju Temple, which was constructed in the medieval period during the reign of the Malla dynasty kings, is considered an important monument of Patan Durbar Square.