Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has visited Pashupatinath Temple on Monday, the day especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. He also paid homage to Pashupatinath on the occasion. 

In course of the visit, PM Oli acquired information about the Pashupatinath area having archeological, cultural, religious and tourism importance, which was damaged by April 25 earthquake. The Pashupatinath area is a world heritage site. 

"The Prime Minister expressed concern regarding reconstruction of the damaged structure within the Pashupatinath complex in the context of the approaching Shivaratri festival. Please tell us if you need anything for the protection and preservation of Pashupati, always ready for that," Member-Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) Dr Govinda Tandon quoted the Prime Minister as saying. 

Dr Tandon said that the PADT has the target of completing the reconstruction of the damaged structures within five years. The government has allocated Rs 250 million for the reconstruction. The Trust has stated that it will ask the government for the shortfall of the amount for reconstruction. 

Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur Mahat also accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit. 

This is the first time PM Oli has visited Pashupatinath and paid homage to Lord Shiva after being elected to the high office on October 11, 2015. RSS