KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Bidhya sundar Shakya has informed that the reconstruction work of Rani Pokhari has moved forward in line with the design sanctioned by Department of Archeology (DoA).

“Heritages are public property and we don’t want any unnecessary disputes hindering the reconstruction,“ Shakya said, “We have made some minor changes but reconstruction will be carried out as per DoA sanctioned design.”

According to Shakya, he has directed to finish the construction works as soon as possible without degrading the heritage.

“We will build a water fountain in Rani Pokhari and conserve and develop the pond as an exotic and beautiful park,” Shakya said, “If things pan out as per the plan, we want to connect Rani Pokhari with Ratna Park through an alternative route.”

Downplaying the objection put forth by archeologists that concrete was being used during the reconstruction, Shakya said, we have to conserve the heritage as per the demand of changing times.

The April Earthquake of 2015 had ravaged Rani Pokhari and Bal Gopaleshwor temple situated in the middle of the pond.