Sattale palace reconstruction to gain momentum

Nuwakot- The Chinese side has stepped up its efforts for the reconstruction of the earthquake-ravaged religious and archeological heritages including Sattale (seven-storey) palace in Nuwakot.

It may be noted that the Chinese government had been entrusted with the responsibility for reconstructing the heritage damaged by the earthquake some nine years ago. Mayor of Bidur Municipality, Rajan Shrestha said the Chinese side would now proceed with its regular work.

According to the demand of the Chinese side, arrangements have been made for access road to reach out construction materials to the palace area, regular and reliable electricity transmission line, construction material storage site as well as water supply to the palace area.

Nepal and China had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the reconstruction of eight structures of religious and archaeological importance in Nuwakot, including the seven-storey palace. As per the agreement, in the first phase, the seven-storey palace, as well as the security home and Rangamahal in the palace premises will be reconstructed and retrofitted based on the need, the Chinese side said.

There is a plan to rebuild the temple of Taleju (Tulja Bhawani), Setopati, Lampati, Vishnu and Narayan temples of Licchavi period in the second phase. Chief of Nuwakot Palace Maintenance Office Sunil Poudel said originality would be maintained while reconstructing the heritage site.

As per the agreement signed in early 2019, the Chinese government had taken the responsibility for constructing the structures, including the palace within 45 months. Later the Chinese side had come to the site for initiating rebuild works under the reconstruction of the palace same year. Following the bilateral agreement, the Chinese team ‘Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage’ that came to work in June same year returned to celebrate the New Year by putting measures to avoid further damage to the heritage here.

The Chinese team did not come back to initiate the rebuild works due to the outbreak of corona infection in China. Three years later, a Chinese technical team came and returned after retrofitting the seven-storey palace.