UNESCO has expressed its concerns about the inappropriate rebuilding of Ranipokhari, a historic structure of religious importance dating back to 1670 AD, considered among the most famous landmarks in Kathmandu.

In a letter to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the Department of Archaeology, the Uneso said such practice raises serious questions on the creditability of future heritage rebuilding in the Kathmandu Valley, including major sites such as Kasthamandap and Majudega of the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square Monument zone.

“Since the very beginning of the reconstruction, UNESCO has stressed in meetings and letters addressed to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and National Reconstruction Authority, the importance of changing bidding procedures for historical monuments,” the Unesco noted in its statement on Thursday.

It said it would not be appropriate to award the contract to the cheapest bidder when it comes to rebuilding heritage, with major risk of destroying the uniqueness of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site. As a result, the cultural tourism potential of Nepal might be negatively affected, the Unesco noted.

Welcoming the strong community involvement that first brought to attention the rebuilding of Ranipokhar, Unesco said the community representation shall be integrated in the rebuilding process.

UNESCO has appealed to the Department of Archaeology and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to immediately stop the work at Ranipokhari and to ensure that the rebuilding process is appropriately monitored and supervised by the Department of Archaeology.

UNESCO has also reiterated its offer to extend its full cooperation in identifying suitable solutions.

“We trust that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the Department of Archaeology will take concrete and effective steps to maintain and preserve the religious, cultural and historical significance of the Ranipokhari and the entire Kathmandu,” the Unesco said in the statement.