Rani Pokhari reconstruction, which was halted earlier, is set to resume this week following an agreement between the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the Department of Archaeology (DoA).

Reconstruction works at Rani Pokhari and a temple at the centre of the pond, historic structures of religious importance dating back to 1670 AD, had been halted following reports that authorities were using concrete materials and had failed to comply with archaeological norms.

The Rani Pokhari temple was destroyed by earthquakes last year.

After reports surfaced that the KMC was not complying with archaeological norms, Unesco, the United Nations cultural body, had also expressed its concerns about what it said “inappropriate rebuilding of Rani Pokhari”.

“The KMC has shown a commitment to follow the norms,” said Ram Kunwar, spokesperson for the DoA.  “The KMC is ready to follow the guidelines set by the DoA while reconstructing the historic monuments.” People from different walks along with historians, archaeologists, experts, youth and civil society member had drawn the attention of the concern authorities to inappropriate rebuilding of Rani Pokhari after reports that concrete materials were being used to reconstruct the structures of historic, cultural and religious significance.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari had laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Rani Pokhari while launching the national reconstruction campaign for rebuilding on January 16.

A total of 750 historical, cultural and religious monuments in 20 districts were damaged by the earthquakes last year.