Nepal Reconstruction Authority has been established to provide support to the earthquake victims; unfortunately, it has been moving at a snail’s speed thereby painting a gloomy picture in the Nepali horizon. However, like a silver lining in the dark cloud, a new Chief Executive Officer has lately emerged into the scene bringing an island of hope amidst the ocean of despair among the earthquake victims.

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It is not only in the arena of architecture that identity can be retained but also in the case of the planning of the settlements. We have the examples of the planning of a Buddhist city like Patan by putting the four stupas in Lagankhel, Sankhamul, Pulchowk and Gwarkhu. Similarly, Hindu cities have been planned by putting the eight mother goddesses  or Narayans in the city periphery. Rajbiraj was planned following the classical Prastara form emulating the pink city of Jaipur in India.

The disrespect shown for the heritage does not bode well for the future of the country. Kathmandu has been famous for its three durbar squares. But it could have 43 of them had the 40 odd Rana palaces been constructed in the then prevailing indigenous architectural style instead of the neoclassical style.

That the neoclassical palaces do not have much merit is indicated by virtually no tourists visiting them when the Durbar squares display swarm of tourists almost round the clock. So the Reconstruction Authority should aim for identifiable indigenous post-earthquake reconstruction rather than aping the discordant architecture and planning approach, thereby mutilating the local milieu and ambience.

This is more necessary in view of the UN’s recent adoption and invitation to all the member states in 2010 towards ensuring more visible and effective integration and mainstreaming of culture in development policies and strategies at all levels.