The Indian Army gifted 100,000 doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal Army in a ceremony organised at the Nepal Army headquarters in Tundikhel today. The vaccines were handed over by India's Ambassador to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra to the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army General Puran Chandra Thapa.
Indian Army chief General MM Naravane joined the ceremony via video conference from India. He reaffirmed the special fraternal bonds that tie the armies of the two countries. General Thapa appreciated the gesture and thanked Indian Army and the Indian government for the gift.
The vaccines had arrived at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport by an Air India flight on March 28. The Indian Army has been assisting the Nepali Army to fight Covid-19 through various kinds of assistance since last year including Remdesivir, X-Ray machines, computed radiography systems, ICU ventilators, video endoscopy units, anesthesia machines, laboratory equipment and ambulances.
This latest gift of vaccines under the 'Vaccine Maitri’ initiative is another testament to the close cooperation between the two armies and the two countries, particularly in times of need.
India to fund NRs 230 million for restoration and reconstruction of three cultural heritage projects in Sindhupalchowk
Meanwhile, as many as three project-specific contract agreements for reconstruction and restoration of Government of India-funded cultural heritage projects were also signed by National Reconstruction Authority of Nepal and contractors today.
Reconstruction of Chiri Ghyang Gumba, Tarkey Ghyang Gumba and Melamchi Ghyang Gumba of Sindhupalchowk district will take place under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Government of Nepal. The three projects are part of 28 cultural heritage projects being taken up by the Government of India for post-earthquake conservation and restoration. India has committed a US $50 million grant assistance for reconstruction of the cultural heritage sites across the eight districts of Nepal.
The three Gumbas will also function as learning centers for Sherpas and Tamang community mostly Hyolmo people inhabited in Sindhupalchowk district and also promote the tourism in the Sindhupalchowk area.
The signing event was witnessed by Former State Minister of Finance Dr. Larkel Lama, Member of Provincial Assembly Nima Lama, Second Secretary of Development Partnership & Reconstruction Wing of Indian Embassy, Project Director of Cultural Projects of NRA, Chairpersons of respective Gumbas, GoI Project Consultant INTACH and other stake holders.
