Shreemahal, a historical palace dating back to the Rana period and located in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, has sadly deteriorated over the years. This remarkable structure, which suffered damage during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, has yet to undergo reconstruction.
Constructed in 1927, this once-grand palace now stands in a dilapidated state, marked by shattered windows and doors, along with walls bearing extensive cracks. Regrettably, Shreemahal has become an abandoned building, hidden behind overgrown vegetation and grass that obscure much of its facade.
Before the earthquake, Shreemahal housed the offices of the Ministry of Local Development and the Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agriculture Roads. Originally built by Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JB Rana for his sons, this palace holds significant historical value.
Efforts were made to restore Shreemahal in 2075, as the National Reconstruction Authority issued a call for bids. However, the Authority later withdrew its plans, citing technical errors. Subsequently, the Department of Local Infrastructures, tasked with reconstruction, faced challenges in initiating restoration work. Now, responsibility for the project has been transferred to the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction.
Prem Prasad Luintel, an Under-Secretary at the Department of Local Infrastructures, revealed that the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction has taken charge of Shreemahal’s reconstruction in the current fiscal year.
An agreement has been reached to restore Shreemahal to its original architectural splendor. Notably, several government offices, including the Indigenous Nationalities Commission and the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project, continue to operate within Shreemahal’s premises.
Source: RSS