Aug 24, Kathmandu - Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal; Jagdish Kharel, Member of Parliament; and Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropol-itan City, jointly inaugurated the newly restored cultural heritage sites of Kumari Chhen & New Kumari Niwas located in Patan. During the event, the dignitaries took part in traditional ceremonies apart from the unveiling of the inaugural plaque. Officials from Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU – Building & Housing) under the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), Government of Nepal; representatives of local community; and officials from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu also participated in the event.  

The Kumari Chhen & New Kumari Niwas has been rebuilt through Government of India’s post-earthquake reconstruction grant of about NPR 5 crores and implemented by CLPIU(Building & Housing), with design and project management consultancy services being car-ried out by the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). 

Jagdish Kharel praised local residents for their contribution and stressed the importance of safeguarding living heritage landmarks. He also acknowledged the valuable assis-tance provided by the Government of India towards heritage restoration initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan expressed deep appreciation for the Government of India's significant contributions to the reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage sites across Lalitpur and other districts. He also commended the local community for their support and cooperation.

Ambassador, in his remarks, highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Nepal. He spoke about India’s sustained support for the restoration of Nepal’s historic monu-ments, noting that these reconstructed structures stand as enduring symbols of shared heritage and friendship between the two nations.

Government of India has supported the conservation of 30 cultural heritage sites across 8 districts of Nepal through its post-earthquake reconstruction assistance. Government of India has also supported the reconstruction of 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, rebuilding of 85 educational institutions across 8 districts, and the reconstruction of 133 health facilities across 11 districts of Nepal.

 The project reflects the deep and comprehensive development partnership between India and Nepal, apart from complementing the efforts of Government of Nepal in post-earthquake reconstruction.