Bhairahawa, April 14

Construction of an international standard meeting hall has gained momentum in Lumbini, the  birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The hall to be equipped with all modern facilities being built by the Nepali Army is expected to be completed before the upcoming 2562nd Buddha Jayanti and International Bauddha conference.

As construction of a permanent facility takes time the under-construction meeting hall is being built on temporary basis in view of the upcoming Bauddha conference. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will inaugurate the hall on April 29. Construction of the hall is expected to cost Rs 40 million.

“The building can be adjusted as per the number of the participants at the conference and will be earthquake resistant,” said Lumbini Development Fund Acting member-secretary and chief engineer Saroj Bhattarai, adding it can accommodate maximum 5,000 persons.

Nepal is all set to host an international Bauddha conference in Lumbini from April 28 to 29. The next day will be celebrated as Buddha Jayanti. According to LDF, 70 per cent of the work of the meeting hall has been completed so far. Its construction had started about a month ago.