Kathmandu, May 16 (RSS): Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari has said the call for public tender for the reconstruction of Dharahara damaged due to the 2015 Gorkha earthquake would be made soon.
Speaking in a programme of interaction organised by Nepal Museum Association on the occasion of the World Museum Day here on Wednesday, he expressed concern over the delay in the reconstruction of this important monument due to the clash of interest of various bodies.
Stating that the reconstruction of the historic Kashthamandap has already begun, the Culture Minister said the construction of the Ranipokhari would also be forwarded by ending the dispute on its reconstruction.
Historian Tulasiram Vaidya, Prof Dr Triratna Manandhar, Shankar Thapa and Dr Surendra KC expressed dismay over the delay in the reconstruction of the historical heritage sites damaged by the earthquake. They also demanded that the government should initiate to bring back valuable historical artifacts which have been stolen and smuggled out of the country at various times.
Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Bhesh Narayan Dahal said that the reconstruction of heritages has been hampered by various legal hassles that come up at different times.
Other speakers including Ved Upreti, Rabindra Puri, Dhan Bahadur Kunwar, Prof Dr Khadga KC and tourism entrepreneur Lakpa Phuti Sherpa urged the government to increase the budget in the sectors of culture, art, heritage conservation and tourism development.
Association president Prem Singh Basnyat said the national culture could be strengthened if the government protected the cultures of all ethnicities and communities living in the country. He also suggested the government to work for the protection and promotion of culture and heritage coordinating with local communities.
