India and Nepal have identified 28 cultural heritage conservation and restoration projects

India and Nepal began the reconstruction of the Budhanikantha Dharmshala in Kathmandu on Thursday.

This is the third of 28 cultural heritage conservation and restoration projects being under taken with a reconstruction of NRs 5800 million committed by Government of India for the cultural heritage sector, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said.

"We have a cultural heritage to preserve for the future generation,” a press release issued by the embassy stated.

Deputy Chief of the Embassy of India to Nepal Namgya C. Khampa and CEO National Reconstruction Authority of Government of Nepal Sushil Gyawali jointly laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction.

All the 28 sites for restoration were identified by Government of Nepal and the two countries signed a MoU in this regard in August 2017.

The Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) is the implementing agency, the release noted.

The Dharmashala at Budhanilkantha is expected to facilitate visit of pilgrims and tourists visiting this sacred temple.

According to the Indian Embassy release, India has been working with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects in past too.

In November, 2019, the Mathadhish building for Budhaneelkantha temple was built under India’s development cooperation scheme at a total cost of NR. 22 million.