Khotang, January 12

Almost 21 months after earthquake hit the country in April 2015, a survey for reconstruction of damaged houses has started in Khotang from today.

Engineers deployed from the National Reconstruction Authority began the survey. “We started compiling a name list, verifying data, and drawing up grant contracts for quake victims of Makpa, Hauchur, Khidima, Patheka, Khartamchha, Chyasmitar, Bahunidanda, Halesi, Batase, Kharpa, and other VDCs from today after the NRA failed to mobilise engineers,” said Shiva Narayan Mahato, data collection and management officer at the District Statistics Department Office Khotang.

The survey that was scheduled to begin from December 30 started today, 13 days behind schedule,” informed the Department of Statistics at District Data Collection and Management Office, Diktel.

Teams of engineers and social mobilisers have been deployed to verify information of as many as 13,799 earthquake victims in the district. They will reportedly begin signing grant contracts within one-and-a-half months.

Engineers and social mobilisers will reach homes of all victims and put them in one of the five groups. “Only victims who fall under categories three to five will be provided the government grant for reconstruction,” said officer Mahato.

Dhruba Prasad Sharma, member of the National Reconstruction Authority’s Executive Committee, said victims will be provided Rs 50,000 in the first installment, Rs 150,000 in the second, and Rs 100,000 in the third installment. “Rs 50,000 will be provided soon after the contract is signed, the second installment after they complete building the foundation of houses, and with recommendation of engineers the last installment will be provided at the time of fixing the roof,” said Sharma.

“Victims who have already constructed their houses will also be provided with the grant if they meet the set criteria. The beneficiaries of the grant will be decided only after the survey,” said Sharma.