Reconstruction, renovation and retrofitting of monuments including temples, shrines, and monasteries across the country, damaged in the Gorkha earthquake, has started gradually in the Valley.

According to the Department of Archeology, a total of 753 temples, shrines and monasteries across the country suffered damages from the earthquake. The earthquake damaged 241 temples and shrines in Kathmandu, 73 in Bhaktapur and 130 in Patan.

Director General of the Department Bhesh Narayan Dahal said that out of the damaged temples, 83 temples have already been reconstructed and 56 are in the multi-year plan.

He said that the Department has already announced 17 tenders for the renovation of the remaining temples. Dahal added that renovation task of Changunarayan temple has been completed within Rs 30 million as well as reconstruction of Taleju temple has already been completed.

Similarly, renovation of Nautale Darbar located at Hanumandhoka is underway at the initiative of the Chinese government as well as 90 percent renovation of Swayambhu based Anantapur temple has been completed.

The Sri Lankan government has been carrying out reconstruction work of Bungamati-based Rato Machhindranath Temple and has set a target to complete it within two years. Responsibility has been given to Kathmandu Metropolitan City for the reconstruction of Kasthamandap.