Kathmandu, February 26

Representatives of as many as half a dozen government bodies today inspected the under-construction commercial complex inside the buffer zone of Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and urged the builder not to construct any structure taller than 35 feet as ordered by the Supreme Court.

The inspection was made after Judgment Execution Directorate of the SC issued a notice asking the builder to maintain the height limit as ordered by the SC a couple of months ago.

Business Associates Pvt Ltd, the builder, defying the order of SC has already erected pillars on the third floor, which once completed would exceed the height of 42 feet.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi, representatives of Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum, Department of Archaeology, Guthi Sansthan, Museum Development Committee, Nepal Police, City Police and activists had inspected the under-construction complex.

The DoA and KMC following the SC’s decision had also issued separate letters to the builder asking not exceed the height limit. The builder on October 3, 2016 had acquired permit from Kathmandu Metropolitan City to build the commercial complex under a special provision.

The builder had also submitted a written commitment to the DoA on December 13 and KMC on December 16 stating that the building they were constructing would not exceed the height limit of 35 feet.

The Ancient Monument Preservation Act does not allow construction of buildings taller than 35 feet in heritage sites. The approved blue print of the building has stated that each floor of the building should not exceed the height limit of seven feet seven inches and the building should not have more than four floors.