The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has decided to lend support to the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) to rebuild structures destroyed in the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015. The NRA has offered technical assistance, along with financial aid if needed, for implementing a broader master plan of the overall reconstruction of the heritage site.  

At a meeting with the PADT team including its Member Secretary Pradeep Dhakal, NRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sushil Gyawali expressed readiness to make arrangements for human resources, including archaeologists and engineers for the restore the damaged structures back to their original state.

Calling on the PADT to provide with a clear master plan for the reconstruction and reinforcement of the earthquake-affected infrastructure in the Pashupati area, Gyawali assured that there would not be any crisis of financial resources for the rebuilding. “The religious and archaeological sites should be reconstructed and preserved in their original form,” he said.

Noting that the task of maintaining ecological balance and cultural heritage should be taken ahead simultaneously during the reconstruction, the NRA chief underscored the need for cooperation and coordination among the NRA, PADT, Department of Archaeology, experts, and the local community.

PADT Member Secretary Dhakal acknowledged the lack of progress in the reconstruction works, despite having the budget, due to scarce of consultants, technical manpower and necessary coordination. He asked for NRA support to give the much-needed impetus to the reconstruction process.

“We haven’t been able to spend the budget allocated for the rebuilding. The NRA needs to extend support by providing human resources including technicians and consultants for the purpose,” Dhakal said.

The government had allocated Rs 200 million for the reconstruction of the Pashupati area in the last fiscal year.

According to the PADT, it is necessary to reconstruct temples and take up soil conservation measures as the area with 15 Shivalayas (Shiva Temples) has sunk near Shlesmantak forest. Work on the Bishworup temple has not been started yet though some of the structures around it have been rebuilt.

Similarly, the authorities have yet to start the reconstruction of heritage sites such as Jayabageshwori temple area, Bajraghar and Pancha Deval of Gaurighat, and Guheshori temple. “We have also broken the deal with the contractors delaying the reconstruction, and decided to build the structures by ourselves,” said Dhakal.  

The NRA chief advised the PADT should take into account the philosophical aspect of Hindu religion and mythology of Pashupatinath while drawing up the master plan. “It would be appropriate to divide the overall area in two parts—one as a religious site and another service and facility of devotees.”