Kathmandu Metropolitan City Directs Focus on Authenticity and Structural Integrity During Bagh Durbar Retrofitting

Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has directed that the originality and structural soundness be considered in every process during the implementation of the Bagh Durbar retrofitting plan.

Acting Chief Sunita Dangol gave this directive today while conducting an on-site inspection. Dangol, who is also the coordinator of the plan monitoring committee, instructed officials from the Department of Public Works to closely monitor every construction process during the monitoring of the strengthening plan.

The estimated cost for the retrofitting of Bagh Durbar, including VAT, contingency, and PS, was NPR 744,739,443. The agreement with the construction party, secured through the public procurement process, was for NPR 429,014,310.

The work order was issued to the bidder on Mangsir 15. The construction work must be completed by Mangsir 15, 2084 BS. Currently, there is five percent physical progress.

Furthermore, during the inspection of Kamal Pokhari, she directed the Information Technology Department to install CCTV cameras, the Environment Management Department to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and the Garden and Greenery Promotion Project to beautify the area by planting saplings and flowers. She also suggested that organizations and associations around the pond could develop plans under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance the pond's cleanliness and beauty.

The contract amount for the second phase of work under the Kamal Pokhari Reconstruction Master Plan is NPR 35,887,052. The estimated cost was NPR 40,681,800. This amount includes VAT and PS. The work commenced on Ashoj 19, 2081 BS.

The completion deadline was last Mangsir 15. It is reported that the physical progress is now one hundred percent and the financial progress is 84.83 percent.

Under the second phase of work, a park has been constructed on approximately five ropanis of land where the former police beat was located. Outside the boundary wall, under 'Tactical Urbanism,' traditional bus stops in the 'Falcha' style have been built, areas for pedestrians to sit and observe the pond and the road have been created, and work has been done to plant saplings, flowers, and create a small park.

Kamal Pokhari features a pedestrian path around it. A children's park, stone fountains shaped like crocodiles, disability-friendly restrooms, an open gymnasium, and gardens are among the characteristics of Kamal Pokhari.