KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has expedited the reconstruction of the monuments of historical and cultural heritage sites that were damaged by the Gorkha Earthquake in April last year.

A progress report unveiled by the Ministry on Wednesday stated that the reconstruction of all the quake-hit monuments was also a priority besides those enlisted in the UNSECO World Heritage Site list.

Spokesperson of the Ministry and Joint-Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyay shared that the renovation and reconstruction of quake-damaged cultural heritage sites and tourist spots had been expedited.

Of the total 132 such monuments and places, the reconstruction work was underway at 47 monuments across the Kathmandu Valley, added Spokesperson Upadhyay.

Manakamana Temple at Bungamati, Bajrayogini Temple at Sankhu, Bhagawan Bahal at Naxal, Bansha Gopal Temple at Hanuman Dhoka and Aananda Kuti Bihar at Swayambhu among others were currently undergoing reconstruction, the progress report stated.

Similarly, out of 34 regional and indigenous museums proposed to be built, construction of 11 had already started, the report added.

The UNESCO Office in Kathmandu and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have pledged financial assistance for the reconstruction of the quake-damaged historical and cultural monuments.