The government has received a total of over Nu. 1.3 billion for the reconstruction of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The construction works began this month. The project is expected to complete within five years, by December 2018.
This will be the new approved model of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The designs have been approved by His Majesty the King for further detailing and implementation on site. The Dzong will be rebuilt to its former glory but with state-of-the-art technology in terms of disaster resilience measures and traditional architecture, according to a press release from the Home Ministry.
In July, 2012, His Majesty the King granted Nu. 200 million for reconstruction of the Dzong. Bhutan Broadcasting Service mobilised about Nu. 65 million, while Wangdue Rabdey also received contributions amounting to Nu. 40 million. The Government of India also granted Nu. one billion.
After the fire in June 2012, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs undertook a detailed documentation and assessment of the condition of the remaining structure of the Dzong. The findings were submitted to the Government and His Majesty the King.
Upon the command of His Majesty the King, a thirteen member Steering Committee chaired by the Home Minister has been formed to oversee the reconstruction.
In accordance with the command of His Majesty the King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests and Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited has already earmarked the sites to extract timber and quarry stones for the reconstruction of the Dzong.
Meanwhile, the Wangdi Rabdey Committee has already procured Nangtens worth over Nu. 36 million.
