October 16, Kathmandu - Reconstruction, management and protection of the 700-year-old historic Benikot in Beni Municipality-8 of Myagdi has started. The fort, built in the thirteenth century in Beni, the winter capital of the then mountain kingdom, was dilapidated. The Beni Municipality has started the work of management and protection to develop the historical fort in the district headquarters as a tourist destination.

Ward Chairman Ram Krishna Baraili, who is also the spokesperson of the Municipal Executive Committee, said that the work of reconstruction and management of the fort has been started from the Rs. 1.3 million allocated under two headings in the current fiscal year. "Infrastructure has been constructed to manage and protect the public land of the Kotghar premises in the first phase from Rs. 500,000," he said.

Chairman of the Kotghar Conservation and Management Consumer Committee Anod Shrestha said that the work of fencing, wall, railing and laying bricks on the public land has been completed. The land, which was previously unused, is now used for children to play and senior citizens to walk. The land is also seen to be useful for holding meetings and gatherings in Beni, which has a narrow space and roads. From 1631 BS until the unification of Nepal, Beni was the winter capital of the then mountain kingdom for 342 years. In the book titled 'History, Culture and Heritage of Myagdi' written by Professor Karna Bahadur Bania, it is mentioned that the king of the mountain kingdom ruled the state from Beni in winter and Dholthan in summer.

The then state operator had made metal coins (taksar) in the Kotghar premises with weapons including cannons, khukuri and swords of historical significance. Local Padma Bahadur Khatri said that the fort should be rebuilt without losing its mythological significance, originality and history. Along with the protection of the fort, the historical weapons are being reconstructed in such a way that they can be seen. Worship and sacrifices are offered at Kotgad in Baradasai and Chaitedasai. Reconstruction and conservation of the site is expected to make it an attractive destination for tourists and help extend the stay of tourists visiting Myagdi and Mustang.