People of Nuwakot have expressed concerns about the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Bhairavi Temple in Bidur, Nuwakot.

The locals have criticised the authorities’ lackadaisical approach to the reconstruction of Bhairavi Temple.

The shrine, located atop a hill near the historic seven-storey Nuwakot Palace, suffered severe damage in the 2015 earthquake and is in dire need of immediate repair and reconstruction. Although reconstruction work is ongoing, locals say that the temple is not being rebuilt in its original form and structure. They argue that this is doing the temple more harm than good.

Ishwor Khadka, a local who has been observing the reconstruction of the temple since it began in November 2016, is worried about the shoddy work. “The main beams have not been placed right. They are not aligned properly with the wooden pillars below. Such a historical temple is being rebuilt with little thought. Given the way it’s being constructed right now, it may collapse as soon as it’s rebuilt.”

Bhairavi Temple is one of the most important shrines in the district. It was built about 500 years ago. The Department of Archaeology initiated reconstruction of the temple in 2016 with an estimated cost of Rs 46.3 million.

According to Arjun Phuyal of the Monument Conservation and Palace Care Office, around 80 percent work of the two-storey temple has been completed so far.

The local people vented their frustration at the Department of Archaeology for not rebuilding the temple in its original form and structure. “The authorities assured us that the temple would be rebuilt in accordance with its original design. But the design looks completely different. Technicians from the Department of Archaeology should monitor the construction work,” said Arjun Ghimire, another local.

Govinda Adhikari, an engineer for the Department of Archaeology who is responsible for the design and reconstruction of the temple, refused to comment. He told the Post that he was outside the Valley and that he was not in a position to comment without checking the design and inspecting the ongoing works.