Gandaki, July 8 : The Lamjung Palace that was built in the era of '24 Principalities (Chaubise Rajya)' is being reconstructed
.
The Department of Archeology had
initiated the palace reconstruction two years ago after its deterioration.
It is believed that the Palace was
constructed in the 16th century.
According to the Department's
Engineer Govinda Adhikari, around 70 percent physical progress has been made in
the reconstruction of the palace. "The target is to complete the work
within the next fiscal year provided no shortage of resources", he
said.
The reconstruction had started last
year with a budgetary allocation of Rs 13.3 million, while the government
earmarked budget of Rs 5 million for the current fiscal year.
In the first year, Bhaktapur-based
construction company NPS and this year Bhaktapur-based RGS Bishnu JV were
entrusted with the responsibility for rebuilding the palace.
Engineer Adhikari said the palace
is being reconstructed in the ancient style and form. "The reconstruction
of the historic Kalika temple along with the palace is going on simultaneously.
The palace will be three-storey roof with attic and the Kalika temple will be
of pagoda style.
Engineer Adhikari informed that the
construction materials including bricks, wood and brick powder required for the
construction of the palace were brought from Bhaktapur.
"The reconstruction of both
the palace and temple is being done in a way that reflects antique
architecture. As it is a structure of archaeological importance, the
construction materials are expensive and also need equal volume of time and
diligence". The palace is being built in the original style and form, he
informed.
Chairperson of Gaunsahar Kalika
Temple Preservation and Management Committee, Rajendra Bohora said although the
target was to rebuild the palace within this fiscal year, the progress of the
work has been in snail pace due to budget constraints.
"This year the budget has decreased
compared to the previous year and if there is not enough budget, the
reconstruction of the palace will not be completed next year as well", he
said. He called for the federal, provincial and local governments to invest in
the reconstruction and management of the palace, a historical heritage.
The Palace and Kalika Temple are
located in Besisahar Rural Municipality-3 of Lamjung.
Bohora said that the reconstruction
of the palace, which has been in a dilapidated condition, has rekindled a new
hope.
"If the rebuild is completed soon, the palace can be established as a tourist destination, which will spread the fame of the entire Lamjung district at home and abroad", he said. (RSS)