India, Nepal Revive Heritage Ties with Restoration of Lalitpur Sites

Kathmandu: India and Nepal on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the restored sites in the Himalayan nation which were reconstructed with Indian assistance, marking another milestone in the country's post-earthquake heritage reconstruction.

Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Jagdish Kharel, member of Parliament and Naveen Srivastava, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the newly restored cultural heritage sites of Gusthal Mahavihar and Agam of Prathamshree Mahavihar located at Guita Tole, Lalitpur metropolis.

During the event, the invitees took part in traditional ceremonies apart from the unveiling of the inaugural plaque, according to a press release issued by the Indian Embassy, Kathmandu.

Government officials, representatives of local communities and officials from the Indian Embassy, Kathmandu also attended the function.

The Gusthal Mahavihar and Agam of Prathamshree Mahavihar have been rebuilt through India's post-earthquake reconstruction grant amounting to Rs 120 million and implemented through the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU) - Building and Housing of the Nepal government, with design and project management consultancy services being carried out by the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Speaking on the occasion, Maharjan appreciated the contribution of the Government of India for reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage sites across Lalitpur and other districts of Nepal.

Ambassador Srivastava, in his remarks, highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Nepal.

He mentioned India's sustained support for the restoration of Nepal's historic monuments, noting that these reconstructed structures stand as enduring symbols of shared heritage and friendship between the two countries.

According to the Indian Embassy, India has supported the conservation of 30 cultural heritage sites across eight districts under its post-earthquake reconstruction assistance.

The assistance programme has also included the reconstruction of 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot, 85 educational institutions across eight districts, and 133 health facilities in 11 districts of Nepal.