The reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged Nuwakot Durbar, also known as the seven-storey palace, will commence from March 2019.  

After inspecting the dilapidated palace and other archaeological sites in its vicinity on Sunday, Chief Executive Officer of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyewali said the Chinese team would start the reconstruction in March. The Chinese government had pledged to help reconstruct the Nuwakot Durbar.

“The reconstruction of the palace and other heritages of Nuwakot will be completed within the next two years,” said Gyewali.

Located atop a hill overlooking Samari, Dhikure and Thansing valleys, the palace was constructed by the then King Prithvi Narayan Shah and was used as an administrative headquarters after the annexation of Nuwakot in 1744.

Now, the palace is on the verge of collapse. The earthquake of April 2015 damaged the western and southern sides of its second and third storeys. The palace walls have been propped up with iron poles to keep them upright. Visitors are barred from entering the dilapidated palace.

According to the NRA, a detailed project report of the palace reconstruction is in its final stage. Technical teams from China had surveyed the earthquake-ravaged Nuwakot Durbar a few months ago. The Chinese government has pledged to reconstruct the Nuwakot Durbar and other heritages in its vicinity including Lampati, Setopati, Bishnu Temple, Narayan Temple, Tulaja Bhawani Temple, Rangamahal and Garadghar.

“Reconstruction of the palace is our first priority. The temples and other structures in the vicinity will be reconstructed afterwards,” said CEO Gyewali.

Similarly, the government authorities plan to create a “heritage village” around the Nuwakot Durbar. Suman Pandey, who is advocating the “heritage village”, said works regarding the house design is underway for the project.