Rs 188 cr for Indian Embassy in Kathmandu

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved the construction of the Chancery, residences and common community facilities for the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu within the India House Estate at a revised cost estimate of Rs 188.22 crore, including refundable VAT.

At present, the Embassy offices are located in old barrack type, dilapidated structures scattered all over the India House Estate in an unplanned manner.

These structures, besides being totally inadequate for meeting the current space requirements of the Embassy, are in a state of severe deterioration.

''There is an urgent need to replace these as they also pose potential security risks,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The present condition of the offices and many of the residences was poor, reflecting adversely on India's image. There was also a need to use the vacant land available on the India House Estate for constructing residences for the officers and staff living in hired accommodation to save on rentals.

''The decision will facilitate to construct a Chancery complex in Kathmandu that is imperative. It will meet the present space requirements of the Mission and commensurate with India's high profile presence in Nepal,'' Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI