KMC to coordinate with DoA and NEA on reconstruction of ranipokhari

-Sharmeela Pathak 
Kathmandu, The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is to coordinate with the Department of Archaeology and National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on reconstruction of the Ranipokhari after escalation of internal dispute. 
The move has been mooted following dispute between KMC Mayor Bidyasundar Shakya and Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi on the reconstruction of historical Ranipokhari. 
The reconstruction was obstructed with the padlocking of main entrance door of Ranipokhari by some culture activists when Deputy Mayor Khadgi was on inspection of the under-construction Ranipokhari this morning. 
Later, a team led by Mayor Shakya reached the site and removed the lock. Though the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were supposed to go for inspection of the site together, the incident took a nasty turn when they reached there separately. 
The culture experts and activists have been raising voice that the pond should not be small in size than it was before and concrete should not be used in the re-construction of Balgopaleswor Temple. 
Mayor Shakya has directed the contractor to continue the reconstruction works while Deputy Mayor Khadgi has urged to stop the works claiming it to be against the rule. 
Mayor Shakya added, "We would take ahead the construction works in coordination with Department of Archaeology and National Reconstruction Authority". 
The President had inaugurated the reconstruction of earthquake-devastated Ranipokhari on January 2016. The 25 April 2015 earthquake had caused damages to Balgopaleswor Temple, pond and its surroundings. 
It is stated in the history that King Pratap Malla constructed the Ranipokhari in 1727 BS to console his wife after untimely demise of their youngest son, Chakrabatindra. It took two years to complete the construction of Ranipokhari.