Kathmandu, November 28

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has halted illegal construction of a building at Basantapur Durbar Square.

The building was being constructed by Maharjan Business Associates Pvt Ltd in violation of the law.

Locals at Basantapur had been staging protests demanding that the construction of the commercial complex be halted.  The company has constructed underground floor although the blueprint of the building allows no such structure.

A report prepared by KMC and Kathmandu Valley Development Authority states that the commercial complex has a large basement. The locals demanded that since the basement has put the ancient Malla-era treasury at risk of collapse, the illegal underground basement should be filled. The treasury is guarded by army personnel.

Ganapati Lal Shrestha, 29, a local, who has been leading public protest against illegal construction of the building said, “We are glad that KMC has finally halted construction of the complex, but we will not stop protesting until the basement area is filled. We want government to take action against the company.”