KATHMANDU: The amount of Rs 25 million spent for the reconstruction of Rani Pokhari temple, demolished in the earthquake, went in vain after the dispute emerged among locals, Department of Archaeology, and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Due to the dispute, the structures created so far have had to be demolished.

Account Officer at Kathmandu Metropolitan office Shyam Pande informed that Rs 116 million was the estimated cost for reconstruction of the historic pond, while the contract was made for around Rs 70 million.

Worldwide Kandel KN KG JV, the company reconstructing the historic site, had begun the reconstruction in 2073 BS.

However, the Kathmandu Metropolis has decided to reconstruct the temple along with the other structures of the Rani Pokhari by removing the modern structures raised so far.

As per the contract, contract company director Arjun Kandel informed that construction of wall for the first phase was over. "But, it was halted for various reasons," he added.

Meanwhile, the locals have accused the Kathmandu Metropolis of misusing the tax they paid.