LALITPUR: India’s Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Naveen Srivastava, Member of Parliament Jagdish Kharel, and Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan jointly inaugurated the newly restored Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Niwas in Patan on Monday.

The inauguration ceremony featured traditional rituals and the unveiling of an inaugural plaque. Officials from the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU–Building & Housing) under Nepal’s Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, representatives of the local community, and officials from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu attended the event.

The historic Shree Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Niwas were rebuilt with approximately Rs 5 crore in Government of India post-earthquake reconstruction assistance. The project was implemented by CLPIU (Building & Housing), while design and project management consultancy services were provided by the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble MP Jagdish Kharel praised local residents for their contribution to the restoration and emphasized the need to safeguard Nepal’s living cultural heritage. He also acknowledged the valuable support extended by the Government of India for heritage conservation.

Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan expressed appreciation for India’s contribution to the reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Lalitpur and other parts of Nepal. He also commended the local community for its cooperation and support throughout the project.

Ambassador Naveen Srivastava highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties between India and Nepal. He noted India’s continued support for the restoration of Nepal’s historic monuments, saying that the reconstructed heritage structures represent enduring symbols of the shared heritage, friendship and close relations between the two countries.

As part of its post-earthquake reconstruction assistance, the Government of India has supported the conservation of 30 cultural heritage sites across eight districts of Nepal. India 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.

The restoration of Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Niwas reflects the deep and comprehensive development partnership between India and Nepal and complements the Government of Nepal’s efforts to preserve the country’s cultural heritage and advance post-earthquake reconstruction.