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KATHMANDU, Aug. 11-- Nepal has completed reconstruction of around 40 percent of cultural and archaeological monuments that were damaged in the earthquake of 2017, according to National Reconstruction Authority (NRA). The latest reconstruction update provided by NRA states that out of total 891 cultural heritages damaged in the disaster, reconstruction of 380 sites including 96 within the world heritage sites and 284 within the other cultural sites has been completed so far. A total of Rs 2.12 billion (18.66 million U.S. dollars)has been spent on the rebuilding of these damaged monuments in the last over four years. "We have intensified the reconstruction task of cultural heritages. But it is true that construction has not been in speed pace as compared to other sectors like infrastructures, schools or hospitals," Pitambar Ghimire, joint secretary and NRA spokesperson told Xinhua on Sunday. Ghimire explained that the reconstruction of heritages sites faces several challenges like maintaining originality of the rich heritage, availability of manpower skilled in art and architecture, availability of traditional construction materials among others. "Reconstruction of ancient and culturally rich sites requires cooperation from local communities and archaeological experts as well. We have been trying our best to complete the remaining works soon," spokesperson Ghimire added. In coordination with NRA, Department of Archaeology has been entrusted with the reconstruction of heritage sites, which has to fully comply with archaeological principles like using only traditional bricks and timber to maintain the originality and avoiding modern construction materials among others. | 
