The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is to coordinate with the Department of Archaeology and National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on the reconstruction of the Rani Pokhari after escalation of the 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 Rani Pokhari.
The reconstruction was obstructed with the padlocking of the main entrance door of Rani Pokhari by some culture activists when Deputy Mayor Khadgi was on the inspection of the under-construction Rani Pokhari 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 Rani Pokhari on January 2016. The 25 April 2015 earthquake had caused damages to Balgopaleswor Temple, pond and its surroundings.
It is stated that King Pratap Malla constructed the Rani Pokhari in 1727 BS to console his wife after the untimely demise of their youngest son, Chakrabatindra. It took two years to complete the construction of Rani Pokhari.
