Kathmandu, Mar. 22: Dhan Bahadur Budha, Minister of Urban Development, and Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal on Friday jointly inaugurated the new building of Shree Jestha Varna Mahavihar, Lalitpur built 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 Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the PMC for the project, officials from the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of India, Kathmandu were also present at the event. 

The project was taken up under the post-earthquake reconstruction grant in the cultural heritage sector in Nepal. The Jestha Varna Mahavihar, which got damaged during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, has now been reconstructed with Government of India’s Grant assistance at a tendered cost of NPR 13.78 cr. The project has been implemented by Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU–Building & Housing), DUDBC, Government of Nepal. 

Minister Budha, in his remarks, appreciated the support of Government of India for post-earthquake reconstruction as well as efforts towards the economic development of Nepal. 

Ambassador Srivastava, in his remarks, highlighted the various aspects of the robust ongoing development cooperation between the two countries and mentioned that it is a significant aspect of India-Nepal bilateral partnership. 

India and Nepal have historic cultural similarities and heritage to preserve for future generations. Therefore, restoration of cultural heritage projects is a shared endeavour. It’s a reflection of the common culture which is one of the strengths of the friendly relationship that the two countries share. 

Government of India has committed to take up conservation of 28 cultural heritage sites across 7 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.