Kathmandu, Sept. 4: Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India and Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiri Babu Maharjan jointly inaugurated the new building of Napichandra Mahavihar, Lalitpur built at an approx cost of NPR 3.5 cr under GoI’s post-earthquake reconstruction Grant in the cultural heritage sector in Nepal. Buddhiraj Bajracharya, President of Lalitpur Development Society, representatives of local community, representatives of INTACH the PMC for the project, officials from the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of India, Kathmandu were also present in the event.

The project was taken up under the post-earthquake reconstruction grant in the cultural heritage sector in Nepal. The Napichandra Mahavihar, which got damaged during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, has now been reconstructed with Government of India’s Grant assistance of around NPR 3.5 crore. The project has been implemented by Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU – Building & Housing) DUDBC, Government of Nepal.

In his remarks Ambassador highlighted the various aspects of the robust ongoing development co-operation between India and Nepal and mentioned that it is a significant aspect of India-Nepal bilateral partnership. Mayor, Shri Maharjan thanked Government of India for its support to Lalitpur as well as Nepal in general in terms of asset-creation.

India and Nepal have historic cultural similarities and heritage to preserve for our future generations. Therefore, it is our common endeavor to restore these heritage sites. India has been working with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects in past too. It’s a reflection of our common culture which is the strength of our friendly relationship.

In line with this approach, Government of India has committed to take up conservation of 28 cultural heritage sites across seven districts of Nepal. Beside these, under post-earthquake reconstruction grant, Government of India has also supported reconstruction of 50000 private houses of Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, reconstruction of 71 educational institutions across 8 districts and reconstruction of 132 health facilities across 10 districts of Nepal.

This project is a reflection of India’s development partnership with Nepal and complements efforts of Government of Nepal in post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.