India has committed US $ 50 million for conservation, restoration and reconstruction of 28 cultural heritage sites in Nepal

Reflecting the common heritage which has been the bedrock of strong and friendly historical linkages, India and Nepal signed a MoU for restoration of three cultural sites at a cost of Nepali Rupees (NR) 246 million.

A MoU and Contract Agreements for restoration of 3 cultural heritage sites was signed between India and Nepal on Wednesday, said a statement by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The three cultural sites were damaged during the 2015 earthquake and will be reconstructed at a total cost of NR 246 million under the Government of India reconstruction grant, it added.

While the Head of Development Partnership and Reconstruction Wing of the Embassy of India to Nepal and Project Director of Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) signed the MoU, the Contract Agreements were signed between the successful bidders and NRA.

The three projects to be awarded are Jestha Varna Mahavihara in Lalitpur, Sulighyang Gumba and Shermathang Gumba located in Sindhupalchowk district.

According to the Indian Embassy, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will be providing technical assistance for the restoration of Jestha Varna Mahavihara while the other two will be undertaken by CLPIU (Building).

India has committed US $ 50 million (NR 5800 million) for conservation, restoration and reconstruction of total 28 cultural heritage sites in eight districts of Nepal.

Out of 28 cultural sector projects to be undertaken under Indian reconstruction grant, six contracts have already been awarded.

Last month, Ambassador of India to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra carried out the bhoomi pooja (ground breaking) for conservation and restoration of Seto Machindranath temple in Jan Bahal area of Kathmandu. He was joined by the Chief Executive Officer of National Reconstruction Authority of Government of Nepal and Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

India has worked with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects in the past also. It remains committed to continue its development partnership with Nepal, which is long-standing, unwavering, unmatched and multidimensional in nature, as per the priorities of the Government of Nepal.