The reconstruction of Duguna Gadi, a historic fort in Sindhupalchok, which was initiated two months back, has neared 50 percent completion say authorities.

Raj Kumar Paudel, chief of the local unit, said reconstruction is underway with the aim to build the fort back to its original shape, size and style. “The fort was damaged by the 2015 earthquake and its aftershocks. It is a historical fort and deserves to be brought back to its original form,” said Paudel. According to him, old stones from the original structure have been preserved and are being used in the reconstruction.

The reconstruction commenced about two months ago with a budget of Rs 3 million allocated by the provincial government of Province 3. The historic fort is situated atop a hill in Duguna village of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality.

Paudel also added that the rural municipality is preparing a master plan to develop and promote the Duguna Gadi area as a tourist destination. The local unit will allocate necessary budget in the upcoming fiscal year for the said plan, added Paudel. The local body has allocated Rs 3 million budget to construct a road stretch  from Dinithang to Bhairavkunda through Duguna.

 Duguna Gadi is considered as one of the ten most important forts in the country, and was constructed by the then Prime Minister Junga Bahadur Rana to defend the city from attacks from Tibet, during 1855-1856.

Sonam Sherpa, member of Duguna Gadi Conservation Committee, said that the local unit and the villagers have been involved to preserve and promote the historic fort. He also informed that a stone inscription of Duguna Gadi has been preserved by the committee.