Kathmandu – Three years after the devastating earthquake the reconstruction of heritage sites and historic monuments has yet to gain the momentum.
According to National Reconstruction Authority (NRA0, a total of 753 historical and cultural momentums were damaged in 20 districts during the earthquake of April 25, 2015. However, only 100 heritage sites have been rebuilt in three years, said NRA Chief Executive Officer Yubaraj Bhusal.
One hundred and thirty-three monuments were completely damaged, 20 were partially damaged and 329 monuments are in rebuilding phase, while the reconstruction of remaining 324 monuments are yet to begin.
A report unveiled by NRA on December 27, 2017 to mark the completion of its two-year tenure since its inception stated that 79 monuments had been completed, and 314 monuments were being rebuilt.
Moreover, the reconstruction of monuments such as Rani Pokhari, Kasthamandap, and Changunarayan, has been delayed due to controversy. NRA Spokesperson Yamlal Bhusal attributed mainly to the lack of human resources and shortage of traditional materials for the delay in rebuilding the heritage sites.
“The things connected with heritage are sensitive, we have to be more careful with the issue of cultural and historical importance,” said Spokesperson Bhusal, “We have to rebuild the heritage sites by maintaining original art and structure.”
Even though NRA and Department of Archaeology have been providing training to masons and artisans for reconstruction heritages, people are not attracted to these trainings. Concrete, rod and other modern construction materials are not allowed to be used for reconstruction of heritage sites. The NRA in coordination with Forest Ministry had directed Timber Corporation of Nepal to provide it with woods ranging from 12ft to 20 ft.
There were 460 damaged monuments in the valley including 250 in Kathmandu, 130 in Lalitpur and 80 in Bhaktapur. Apart from those damaged, 293 heritages are outside the valley. The reconstruction works of monuments damaged in the earthquake are being undertaken by NRA, Department of Archaeology, Kathmandu Metropolitan and donor agencies.
Meanwhile, a programme was organized on Wednesday on the premises of Dharahara to commemorate the earthquake. Addressing the program, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said he was ready to carry spade for the reconstruction of Dharahara that collapsed on April 25, 2015 when the earthquake struck Nepal.
However, the reconstruction of Dharahara has not begun even after three years have passed since it turned into rubble. On Tuesday, NRA declared that it will start rebuilding Dharahara on its own.
