Reconstruction of historic building of Singha Durbar delayed, more challenge due to sensitivity: Deputy Director General Adhikari

Kathmandu. Deputy Director General of Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Yekraj Adhikari, said that the task of rehabilitating and retrofitting the historic and archeological importance building of Singha Durbar was more complicated and more sensitive than the new one.

Speaking at a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee under the National Assembly on Tuesday, he said special alertness should be adopted at every stage while preserving the historic heritages.

According to him, retrofitting of structures of archeological importance has become a matter of learning for Nepal after the 2072 BS earthquake. According to him, although some structures of Singha Durbar and Babarmahal have been completed, the current project is more complicated.

Admitting that the project has not progressed as per the expectation, the official said that the work schedule would be reviewed to complete the work within the stipulated time. He, however, said that considering the current pace of work, it is challenging to complete the work within November.

He said, “There is a tendency to do things that could not be done before. With the current pace of work, it seems difficult to complete it by November. But we will try to speed up the number of workers by increasing the number of workers and conducting regular monitoring. ’

According to the official, the rainy season will not have much impact on the construction work if the construction of temporary roofs is completed by June 29. He said that after that, the structural work can be carried out continuously.

He said that the main challenge was to make the building usable in a safe way in the future while preserving the originality of the old bricks, structures and architecture. According to him, works are being carried out maintaining a balance between the strength, beauty and utility of the structure.

“We are trying to save every old brick. But the building should also be safe for future public use. Therefore, there can be no compromise on the strength of the structure,” he said.

Stating that Nepal needs a clear policy on building and architecture, Adhikari said that a separate policy arrangement was needed to preserve the old heritages, make new construction and settlement development systematic.

He also stressed the need for extensive discussion among the government, policy makers and stakeholders on the issues related to the conservation of open spaces, safe housing and preservation of original architecture.