PM Oli inaugurates Gaddi Baithak palace of Basantapur (also in pictures)

KATHMANDU, June 27: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli Wednesday inaugurated the Gaddi Baithak palace following the completion of its restoration.

The 100-year-old historic palace, one of the major focal attraction of Kathmandu Durbar Square, was severely damaged in 2015 April earthquake. The Baithak palace was built by Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher in 1908 AD.

The restoration process of the building had started in October 2017, with the financial assistance of the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation under supervision of the Department of Archaeology (DoA). The US government had assisted 700,000 USD for the restoration of the historical building.

Activists have claimed that the original design of the building has been visibly altered. However, Director General at the Department of Archaeology, Bhesh Narayan Dahal, claimed that the building has been restored to its old style and design.

The original structure of the Gaddi Baithak was designed in European structure, and featured a pattern similar to the British flag on the balcony which is used by dignitaries including the then royal family during festivals such as Kumari Jatra.

The structure of the Gaddi Baithak palace was retrofitted Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief.

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote/Reporters Club Nepal