The government has begun the nationwide reconstruction and rebuilding of the infrastructures damaged in the April 25 earthquake. Almost nine months after the disaster jolted central Nepal, President Bidya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the reconstruction and rebuilding work by laying the foundation stone for reconstruction of the famous Rani Pokhari at Ratna Park today. The government decided to kick start the reconstruction process through the recently established National Reconstruction Authority coinciding with the 19th National Earthquake Safety Day. The Day is observed every year on Magh 2 in the Nepali lunar calendar in commemoration of the 1934 earthquake. At the special event held to initiate the reconstruction campaign at Shanti Batika in the Rani Pokhari premises, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, leader of main opposition party Sushil Koirala, High-level political coordination mechanism Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Chief Secretary, the Chief of the Army Staff and heads of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu were present. Speaking at the function, Prime Minister Oli said all political parties, government and non-government bodies should work together in this mega campaign of reconstruction. “This campaign begins with a commitment from all political parties and organisations to work together for it, and this a matter of great happiness”, he said. He also directed the authorities concerned to take note of the commitments from the political parties and expedite the reconstruction campaign.
