Recently Budget Indian Travelers the world watched in utter dismay as the stunning and historical Notre Dame was ravaged by the massive fire. As the structure collapsed, its famous spire crumbling to ash, the world came together in absolute unity. Now, as the authorities analyse the scale of destruction, French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a statement, stating that they would restore the structure in five years. Reportedly, the structure was saved from “complete destruction” by a mere 20 minutes, as firefighters battled the ravaging fire. The restoration work for the massive structure will begin on a massive scale, with Macron stating that efforts will be made to make the structure “even more beautiful”. He stated that “The fire at Notre Dame reminds us that our history never stops and we will always have challenges to overcome,” Macron said on Tuesday night. “We will rebuild Notre Dame, more beautiful than before – and I want it done in the next five years. We can do it. After the time of testing comes a time of reflection and then of action.”

Funds and donations have already started pouring in for the restoration work, with a number of French tycoons, organisations, and NGOs coming together. More than €800 m have already been pledged for the cause. Other than the financial requirements, experts opine that sourcing material for the restoration would be a bigger task, keeping in mind that the wooden beams used in the ceiling were a rare thing even at the time the Notre Dame was built.

While experts opine that the work would be painstaking and might just take decades to complete, Macron’s statement has led to a collective sigh of relief and optimism.