The National Reconstruction Authority has endorsed the work guidelines related to the renovation, reconstruction and protection of gumbas, bihars and stupas damaged in the devastating earthquakes of 2015.

The working guidelines, approved by a meeting of the executive committee of the National Reconstruction Authority, on Friday, stated that damaged gumbas, bihars and stupas—which are older than a 100 years, have archaeological importance, and are built on 2,000 square feet plinth area-will be reconstructed after taking permission from the Archaeological Department. The reconstruction work will be carried out in direct coordination with the Central Project Implementation Unit.

The work guidelines further stated that the gumbas, bihars and stupas, with less than 2,000 feet plinth area, will be rebuilt through concerned consumer committees. According to the work guidelines, the renovation, reconstruction and protection of religious monuments, which have plinth area covering less than 2,000 square feet and are less than a 100 years old, will be carried out by local units. The centre will provide the budget for the reconstruction of completely damaged gumbas, bihars and stupas that are older than a 100 years and occupy more than 2,000 square feet.

The National Reconstruction Authority will provide 50 percent of the total cost required for the reconstruction work that are less than a 100 years old and have less than 2,000 square feet.

The consumer committee under the Gumba, Bihar and Stupa Management Committee should arrange the remaining 50 percent budget. Around 1,320 gumbas were damaged in the earthquake. Among them, 895 gumbas need to be reconstructed and 402 gumbas should be  renovated.