Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, lawmaker Jagdish Kharel and Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan jointly inaugurated the newly restored Kumari Chhen and new residence for the living goddess Kumari in Patan on Monday.
The three unveiled the inaugural plaque during the event, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Officials from the Central Level Project Implementation Unit under the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, local community representatives and officials from the Embassy of India also attended the event.
The heritage structures were rebuilt with around Rs 50 million in post-earthquake reconstruction assistance from the Government of India. The Central Level Project Implementation Unit implemented the event, while the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) provided design and project management consultancy services.
Speaking at the event, Kharel praised local residents for their contribution to the restoration. He also acknowledged India’s support for the heritage restoration initiative.
Similarly, Mayor Maharjan expressed appreciation for India’s contribution to the reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Lalitpur and other parts of Nepal.
Ambassador Srivastava highlighted the longstanding cultural ties between Nepal and India and India’s continued support for restoring Nepal’s historic monuments. He said the restored structures would serve as enduring symbols of the shared heritage and friendship between the two countries.
The Government of India has supported the conservation of 30 cultural heritage sites across eight districts of Nepal through its post-earthquake reconstruction assistance. It has also supported the reconstruction of 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot, 85 educational institutions across eight districts and 133 health facilities across 11 districts.
