Kathmandu, October 28

After more than three years of the devastating 2015 earthquakes, the reconstruction of Dharahara has finally begun.

GIETC-RAMAN J/V, a Nepal-China joint venture company, had recently bagged the contract for reconstructing the iconic tower at the cost of Rs 3.45 billion.

Joint-secretary Raju Man Manandhar at Heritage Conservation and Government Building Construction Division under National Reconstruction Authority said the contractor had started reconstruction work before Dashain. “Although no formal foundation stone laying ceremony was held at the site, the reconstruction process began within a week after the joint venture company was awarded the contract for the project.”

Kathmandu Metropolitan City in June had removed illegal shops built for commercial purpose in Dharahara area. The project will cover an area of 22 ropani for which the NRA will acquire around 15 ropani of the General Post Office and additional three ropani of Sundhara and few other plots owned by  Guthi Sansthan The new Dharahara will be approximately 294 feet tall with two elevators. An underground basement will also be made in the area for parking vehicles.

The 18-storey 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.