In what can be termed as dramatic turn of events, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya reached the Rani Pokhari reconstruction site and opened the padlock put earlier on Tuesday morning by KMC Ward no 28 Chairman Bhairam Khadgi along with locals and several heritage conservationists in the presence of KMC Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi.

KMC Deputy Mayor Khadgi along with heritage conservation experts had reached the heritage site this morning to conduct a field study of the quake-damaged monument. “I did not know about the breach in the norms for the conservation of ancient monuments,” Khadgi said while talking to mediapersons present during the padlocking event, “I will hold discussions with the Mayor (Shakya) meanwhile let’s stop the works.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Shakya removed the lock placed at the entrance of the reconstruction site earlier this morning. He is currently at the heritage site.

“Political accusations will never solve any of the issue,” said Shakya, “The reconstruction agreement had been signed prior to my election to the post (mayor). We will move ahead with the reconstruction works once after holding consultations with Department of Archaeology and we will investigate what really is happening.”

Locals and several heritage conservationists padlocked the reconstruction site as a protest against insensitive decision on part of the metropolis to use concrete to build the wall around it.

The move came after the metropolis was found using concrete for building a 10-foot boundary wall on the southeastern side of the historic pond, drawing criticism from heritage conservationists and locals.

They also barred some three dozen workers, who were employed by the metropolis to carry out reconstruction works, from entering the ancient heritage site.

The government had ordered the KMC to hand over the reconstruction project to the Department of Archaeology (DoA) last year, following widespread criticism from conservation experts and Unesco for using concrete pillars in the construction of the temple.

As per the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, any historic buildings and heritage sites that are over a hundred years old have to be preserved in their original form.  

The KMC’s responsibility has since been limited to the reconstruction works on the historic pond and beautification of the outer infrastructure.

Rani Pokhari, or Nhu Pukhu (new pond) in Nepal Bhasa, was built in 1670 AD by King Pratap Malla in memory of his son, to appease his wife.

Photos: Anish Regmi