While Nepal is still recovering from the disastrous earthquake, the authorities have opened some of the heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley to the public. The sites have been reopened so as to attract tourists after the earthquake struck in April 2015.
The sites that have been opened include the historic Durbar Square in Kathmandu which is also known as the noble court and was badly damaged in the quake. On the other hand UNESCO has expressed its concerns over the safety of reopening of the sites. Local officials have assured that essential safety measures are in place.
Reports say that more than 8,000 people have been killed in the quake. Out of seven UNESCO designated heritage sites that were closed after the quake have been reopened on June 15, 2015. Irina Bokova, the director general of UNESCO, described the damage to the Kathmandu valley as ‘extensive and irreversible’.
UNESCO had then sent teams to access the damage and has been closely monitoring the situation since then.
A statement was issued by UNESCO on June 11, 2015 in which it asked the public to be extra cautious at the sites. Officials assured that the tourists will be given guided tours and signboards will indicate some specified routes so that minimum disturbance will be caused to the structures.
Photo Credits: BBC
