Indian envoy, NRA chief jointly launch CBRI project website

 Indian ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyewali jointly unveiled – virtually – a dedicated website on government of India-assisted post-earthquake reconstruction projects in the education sector in Nepal.

The website – available in both English and Nepali versions – is a one stop, user friendly window for all information related to education projects under government of India-assisted post-earthquake reconstruction initiatives, according to a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. “The website is accessible at www.goicbrinepal.com,” it reads, adding that it has been conceptualised and developed by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee under India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). “The CBRI, Roorkee, is the Design and Project Management Consultant for the project, and a premier National Laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).” 

It is a pioneer in India for research in the field of shelter planning, building materials, structures, foundations and disaster mitigation, the press note claims.

After their role in the education sector projects, the CBRI, Roorkee has also been appointed as the Design and Project Management Consultant for health sector projects under government of India's post-earthquake reconstruction initiative. An Agreement for their role in the health sector was recently signed between the Indian Embassy, on behalf of the Government of India, and CBRI, Roorkee. 

Steady progress has been recorded under the Government of India's commitment of $1 billion for post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal. In the housing sector, over 46,000 out of 50,000 houses have been completed for government of India-supported beneficiaries in Nuwakot and Gorkha districts.

Education, health and cultural restoration projects including 70 schools, 1 library, 147 health facilities and 28 cultural heritage sector projects are under implementation for reconstruction, and retrofitting, the press note reads, adding that Government of India remains committed to continue supporting the socio-economic development of Nepal, including through post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.