KATHMANDU: The Rani Pokhari reconstruction work would be resuming from May 15. The construction work was halted following a dispute over the use of modern materials.

As per the latest decision, the modern materials will be removed in the next three weeks to resume reconstruction work, said information official at Kathmandu Metropolitan City Basanta Acharya.

"All the construction materials being used for reconstruction will be removed in a few days, and discussions are being held among the KMC officials to resume construction from May 15," Acharya shared.

The decision followed complaints that new construction materials being used for reconstruction of the historic pond damaged during the Gorkha earthquake would compromise the traditional ambience of the pond.

The reconstruction work remained halted for the past three months after pressure from local residents calling for reconstruction in the traditional style.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Prasad Adhikari, KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya, and Department of Archeology Director General Bhesh Narayan Dahal held a meeting on April 5 and agreed to resume the reconstruction work.

Minister Adhikari has urged the general public to remain supportive of the work undertaken by the metropolitan city as the heritage management would be held under the supervision of the local government.

"Our goal is to preserve the heritage, we must talk about the criteria, hold agreement and start reconstruction based on a standard," Mayor Shakya said.

The historic pond, dating back to around 400 years, was damaged during the earthquake of April 2015.