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

In a meeting with PADT team including Member Secretary PradeeDhakal, NRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sushil Gyawali expressed readiness to make arrangement of human resources including archaeologists and engineers for the reconstruction of damaged structures.

He demanded a clear master plan for the reconstruction of the earthquake affected infrastructures in the Pashupati Area and assured that there would not be any crisis of financial resources for the rebuilding. He stressed that the religious and archaeological sites should be reconstructed and preserved in their original form.

Noting that the tasks of maintaining ecological balance and cultural heritage should be taken ahead simultaneously during the reconstruction, CEO Gyawali underscored the need for cooperation and coordination between the NRA, PADT, Department of Archeology, experts, and the local community.

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

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

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

According to 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. The Bishworup temple has not been reconstructed yet though some of the structures have been rebuilt.

Similarly, the reconstruction of heritages such as Jayabageshwori temple area, Bajraghar and PanchaDeval of Gaurighat, and Guheshori temple has not been started. “We have also scrapped the deal with the contractors for delaying the reconstruction, and decided to build the structures by ourselves,” said Dhakal. 

The NRA chief advised that 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 regions—one as a religious site and another service and facility of devotees—while preparing the master plan.”