KATHMANDU, Dec 26: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is to coordinate with the Department of Archaeology and National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on reconstruction of the Ranipokhari after escalation of internal dispute.

The move has been mooted following dispute between KMC Mayor Bidyasundar Shakya and Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi on the reconstruction of historical Ranipokhari.

The reconstruction was obstructed with the padlocking of main entrance door of Ranipokhari by some culture activists when Deputy Mayor Khadgi was on inspection of the under-construction Ranipokhari this morning.

Later, a team led by Mayor Shakya reached the site and removed the lock. Though the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were supposed to go for inspection of the site together, the incident took a nasty turn when they reached there separately.

The culture experts and activists have been raising voice that the pond should not be small in size than it was before and concrete should not be used in the re-construction of Balgopaleswor Temple.

Mayor Shakya has directed the contractor to continue the reconstruction works while Deputy Mayor Khadgi has urged to stop the works claiming it to be against the rule.
Mayor Shakya added, “We would take ahead the construction works in coordination with Department of Archaeology and National Reconstruction Authority”.

The President had inaugurated the reconstruction of earthquake-devastated Ranipokhari on January 2016. The 25 April 2015 earthquake had caused damages to Balgopaleswor Temple, pond and its surroundings.

It is stated in the history that King Pratap Malla constructed the Ranipokhari in 1727 BS to console his wife after untimely demise of their youngest son, Chakrabatindra. It took two years to complete the construction of Ranipokhari. RSS

KATHMANDU, Dec 26: Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Hariprabha Khadki on Tuesday said that the reconstruction of ancient heritage site is being carried out disregarding the norms set by the departments of archaeology in conservation of ancient monuments.

Deputy Mayor Khadgi had reached the Rani Pokhari reconstruction site to study the damaged monument on Tuesday.  The locals and heritage conservationists protesting the metropolis’ decision to use concrete to build walls around it had padlocked the reconstruction site in Khadgi’s presence.

“The reconstruction works are being carried out without obtaining necessary permits. The department is yet to approve the permit,” said Khadgi after visiting the reconstruction site.

But, Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya has claimed that the reconstruction works has been forwarded as per the design approved by the Department of Archaeology.

The campaigners also restricted the metropolis’ employees, who were carrying out the construction work, from entering the heritage site after they were found using concrete to build wall on the southern side of the pond.

Ancient Monument Preservation Act states that any historic buildings and heritage sites that are over a hundred years old have to be preserved in their original form.

Khagdi accused mayor Shakya of not consulting with her about the reconstruction of the site and added that she would step forward to return the originality and beauty of Rani Pokhari.

The government had ordered the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to handover the reconstruction of the historic pond to Department of Archaeology after it drew widespread criticism from conservation experts and UNESCO for using concrete pillars in the construction of the temple.

KATHMANDU, Nov 9: Reconstruction works of the Ranipokhari has resumed after a hiatus of four months.

Executive Officer at Kathmandu Metropolis, Dhaniram Sharma, directed the construction company to accelerate the reconstruction. As per the agreement, the construction company had to accomplish the first phase of the work within last mid June.

As the time has not been over for the reconstruction, it was yet to be completed. So, the construction company was directed for it, said Sharma.

Director of the company, Worldwide Kandel KNKJ JV, Arjun Kandel however said the reconstruction was delayed all because of the Kathmandu Metropolis.

The Metropolis did not provide the design for the reconstruction. He, however, said the company would accomplish the remaining works within the next three months.
The Department of Archaeology, in Bhadra 2073, had told the company that it would itself construct the Balgopaleshwor Temple though the agreement was made with company.

But the reconstruction of the Temple is still awaited.

Ranipokhari carries a historic significance. It is said in the eighteenth century then King Pratap Malla had constructed the pond to rid his wife off grief for she was aggrieved over the demise of her youngest son. RSS