Nepal starts consultations for reconstruction

An earthquake survivor run past collapsed houses in Sankhu, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, May 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

KATHMANDU - Nepal's National Planning Commission (NPC) has intensified consultations with aid agencies and experts in a bid to map out reconstruction plans in the wake of the April 25 devastating earthquake.

Local English newspaper the Kathmandu Post reported Wednesday that the NPC has held preliminary discussions with donor agencies in the country to seek suggestions.

"The NPC is seeking partners for reconstruction," NPC vice-chairman Govinda Pokharel was quoted as saying.

The NPC officials have held a consultation with Indian experts on residents' settlement scheme in rural areas, according to the media.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Finance has required ministries to review the programs which they have planned for the next year.

"This will allow for resources to be allocated to reconstruction projects in the upcoming fiscal budget,"Suman Sharma, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, told local media.

Death toll of the massive earthquake has climbed to 7,652 with the number of injuries standing at 16,390, figures from the Home Ministry showed.