This is what new Dharahara would look like

Aug 1, 2016- The government has made public sketches of the new Dharahara amidst a programme in the Capital on Monday. The sketches reveal that the new Dharahara would look similar to the old one, however, it would be equipped with modern amenities.

The designs were prepared by Cage Consult Pvt. Ltd and JV Associates. According to the Dharahara reconstruction plan, the new Dharahara would be 245 ft. tall with 11-storeys. However, according to Architect Bishnu Panthi, it would be of 21-storeyed from the inside.

The estimated cost of the project is three Billion rupees and will be constructed in three years. According to Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Ananda Pokharel, many private organisations and Nepal Telecom have expressed their interest in financing the project. Also, Rs20 million has been collected from the campaign 'I will build my Dharahara', Minister Pokharel said.

The government has allocated 42 Ropanis land for the reconstruction of the Dharahara. Department of Archaeology had been seeking additional land from government citing that reconstructing new Dharahara in existing five Ropanis would look dull. The required additional land will be supplemented by acquiring the land of General Post Office and Taksar Department in Sundhara and the decision to this effect has been made by Cabinet, according Minister Ananda Pokharel.

Minsiter Pokharel claimed the new Dharahara would be earthquake resistant and could sustain up to 8 magnitude earthquake. According to engineer Panthi, a Sundhara Garden will be built at the premises where a three-storeyed parking hall will be constructed. It will also house a water fountain, gift shop, a theater and a museum. The Dharahara area will be disabled-friendly, it is learnt.

The historic Dharahara, a popular landmark of Kathmandu, was destroyed by the April 25 earthquake last year. The original Dharahara, or also known as Bhimsen Tower, was 11-storeyed before 1934 earthquake reduced it to just nine storeys.

The old Dharahara wrecked by the earthquake will be kept intact while a new one with similar design will be built at the premise, it was announced in the programme.

source: ekantipur.com