KATHMANDU, JULY 1

The removal of the mural painted in honour of frontline workers under the overhead bridge close to Shanti Vatika, by Kathmandu Metropolitan City has met with widespread criticism on social media.

The mural which showcases various professionals involved in the acts of prevention, containment of the pandemic and treatment of the infected including doctors, nurses, police officers, army personnel was painted by artist Dujang Sherpa and team on June 9.

However, the mural created in honour of the frontline service personnel was erased by the KMC on Wednesday, disregarding the approval received by the artist from Ward 28 of the metropolis.

People were surprised by the city office's shocking move to remove the artwork that essays a positive message about the frontline workers and relays hope.

The KMC later claimed that the artists had painted the mural without proper approval and the approval from the ward cannot be all-encompassing.

It is now reported that the KMC is painting another mural in the same location with the metropolis' budget.

In the wake of this act, the artists have accused KMC of degrading the selfless act of all frontline workers.

'The mural was created without any hidden agendas and it was done purely to motivate and express our respect to those who worked tirelessly for others during these trying times,' the artists claimed.

KMC's clarification on the issue too has met with further criticism.

Compiled by Sandeep Sen