The task of reconstructing the iconic Balgopaleshwor Temple, situated in the middle of Rani Pokhari, has been transferred to the Department of Archaeology (DoA) from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).

The temple, which was heavily damaged by the earthquake of April 2015, was being rebuilt under the KMC’s supervision until the project was halted about a month ago, following a public outrage over the use of steel and cement mortar.

The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has now commissioned the task of restoring the 17th century shrine to the DoA. A decision to this end was reached in a meeting between the representatives of the NRA, the KMC and the DoA on Wednesday.

The meeting decided to restore the temple to its original state using traditional construction materials.

Rani Pokhari is the first major reconstruction project being carried out inside Kathmandu Valley with an intention to revive the 17th century monumental and architectural site from its ruins. The NRA has also directed the KMC and the DoA to expedite the reconstruction works of other historical and cultural sites inside Kathmandu.