KATHMANDU: The reconstruction of Rani Pokhari—located at the heart of capital city—will resume this week following an agreement between the Department of Archaeology (DoA) and Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).

The DoA had instructed KMC on September 1 to halt the ongoing reconstruction after finding out that the reconstruction was taking place against the set criteria.

The Department has instructed the KMC to rebuild the historic Bal Gopaleshwor Temple at the centre of the pond in its old stature.

The DoA intervened as the reconstruction was taking place with use of cement, gravel, sand and rods.

The KMC had assigned the contractor company to reconstruct the centuries-old temple and pond at an investment of Rs 62.9 million. The company said it had spent Rs 15 million so far.

The April 25 earthquake last year had caused considerable damages to the Bal Gopaleshwor Temple and inflicted partial damages to the surrounding walls.

The pond was built in a time span of two years in 1727 BS.

The pond's southern section has a white sculpture of an elephant with the statue of the then King Pratap Malla and his children.

All four corners of the pond have temples dedicated to Hindu God Ganesha incarnated in a form with 16 arms.

READ ALSO

• Rani Pokhari reconstruction halted for failing to meet standards