KATHMANDU: Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) and contract agreements for restoration and reconstruction of three more cultural heritage sites have been signed in Kathmandu.

The MoUs were signed between the Head of Development Partnership and Reconstruction Wing of the Embassy of India and Project Director of Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA).

Likewise, the Contract Agreements were signed between the successful bidders and NRA, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.

The three projects include Jestha Varna Mahavihara in Lalitpur, Sulighyang Gumba and Shermathang Gumba located in Sindhupalchowk district.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will be providing technical assistance for the restoration of Jestha Varna Mahavihara while other two will be undertaken by CLPIU (Building), the statement said.

The three cultural sites were damaged during the 2015 earthquake and will be reconstructed at a total cost of NR 246 million under the Government of India reconstruction grant, it said.

The Government of India has committed total US $ 50 million (NR 5800 million) for conservation, restoration and reconstruction of total 28 cultural heritage sites in eight districts of Nepal.

Meanwhile, out of 28 cultural sector projects to be undertaken under Indian reconstruction grant, total 6 contracts have already been awarded.

According to the statement, India has been working with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects in past also, reflecting the common cultural heritage which has been the bed rock of the strong and friendly historical linkages.

India remains committed to continue its development partnership with Nepal which is long-standing, unwavering, unmatched and multidimensional in nature, as per the priorities of Government of Nepal, the statement added.