On 29^th May 2018

Coinciding with Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana, His Majesty the king graced the installation of Serto (the Golden pinnacle) of the newly constructed Utse (Central tower) of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgay in 1638, is one of the most important and historic heritage sites in Bhutan.  The Dzong was completely destroyed by a tragic on the evening of June 24, 2012.

His Majesty the king commanded to immediately start the reconstruction of the Dzong to its former glory and granted Nu.200 Million on July 13, 2012. Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) has mobilized fund collection of Nu.65.50 million and Ministry of Finance received contribution from individuals and organization amounting of Nu.28.328 million.  Later, on 28^th January 2014, His Majesty the King granted another Nu.30.00 million. A total of Nu.323.828 million was mobilized from the above sources. The government of India granted a budget of Nu.1.00 billion for the Reconstruction of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs undertook the detailed documentation and assessment of the condition of the Dzong remains, soon after the disaster and a comprehensive report on the finding was prepared.

After completing all the ground preliminary works, the actual reconstruction works started on January 28, 2014.  As of today, construction of three storied (including a basement) Kuenrey was completed in all respect and consecrated on April 20, 2016 coinciding with the Zhabdrung Kuchoe.

Construction of Utse was started at the end of 2015. Unlike other structures, the Utse structure is fully equipped with seismic resilience. The foundation of the Utse is isolated from the supper structure by the base isolation system which is widely adopted in the western countries.  It is a technique developed to prevent or minimize damages to the building during an earthquake. The structure is rested on a flexible bearing or pad known as base isolator and separates the structure from ground. The reason we are exploring very advanced method of seismic resilience in this structure is because Utse is tallest structure and because of its length and breadth ration. The base isolation technique is also first of its kind in the country. Other seismic resilience features are also put in place in the superstructure of Utse.

With completion of Kuenrey, Utse and 1^st courtyard to 58%, about 56% of the overall work has been completed. The remaining works to be completed are the construction of Dukhang and Shabkhor in the 2^nd Courtyard, Drasha in 3^rd courtyard, service tunnel and the main entrance (Gosatho).  So far Nu.484.839 million from GoI fund has been spent on the structure and more than Nu.84.00 million from the RGoB funding has been spent on the Nangtens and consultancy works. Today the project has 370 workers including the office barriers. More individuals and groups came forward for voluntary works and to offer lunch to the workers.  More than 5000 volunteers came forward and contributed more than 5600 man-days of works and 196 individuals and groups have offered lunch to the workers.