Kasthamandap reports 30 percent progress in reconstruction works

Kathmandu / June 7: Thirty percent reconstruction works of the historic Kasthamandap have been completed. The Kasthamandap Reconstruction Committee has said the works are going on in full- swing with a target of completing the woks of ground floor within mid-July. Works are going on in line with the schedule, committee chair Rajesh Shakya said.

The iconic heritage made up of wood was largely damaged by the 2015 earthquake. Only 10-15 percent timber used in the original structure is reusable.

The major four pillars of the structure were erected on the day of Shree Panchami or February 10. Of the four pillars used for rebuild, one is the old and three are new.

The Kathmandu Metropolis has so far allocated Rs 55 million to the Committee for the reconstruction project. Kasthamandap is to be reinstated in its original structure and it will have three stories as of the old structure. Nepali sal (Shorea robusta) tree timber will be used in the temple. Timbers of several designs are to be applied, but not from a single tree, for the reconstruction.

A total of 1,256 cubic feet of timber above eight feet are to be used and timbers less than eight feet will be applied regularly.

However, the roof of the temple will covered by traditional clay-made tiles (jhingati). The 2015 Gorkha quake had flattened the Kasthamandap besides other two historic heritages in Kathmandu–Dharahara (Bhimsen Stambha/Tower), and Rani Pokhari, an artificial pond. Chhama Puja, a worship seeking forgiveness in case of any violation of rituals unknowingly during the rebuild of Kasthamandap and seeking the favour from divine power for smooth completion of works was conducted on last May 14. RSS