The Department of Culture says reconstruction works of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong will most likely begin a few months after the general elections. A committee has been formed, as per the Royal Kasho, to oversee the reconstruction works and decide on administrative matters.
At the moment, the Culture Department is gathering construction materials like timber and stone in large quantities.
The department has invited experts from international organisation like UNESCO to recommend on how the unburned portion of the dzong can be retained.
“We have made some payments to the NRDCL and they will not only be collecting timber, they will also start extracting quarrying stones that will be used for masonry works,” said the Director General, Department of Culture, Dorji Tshering.
He said the dzong will be reconstructed without losing its former glory. As of now, about Nu.270 million have been collected for the construction. However, the Department of Culture requires over Nu.700 million to rebuild the overall structure.
“The remaining fund, we should be able to receive from the Government of India I think it is being discussed as part of the project tied assistance of GOI. We have some positive response although the exact amount has not been finalized.”
The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is 400 year, was damaged by a fire on June 24 last year. The Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 17th century.
