National Reconstruction Authority chief has said rebuilding work of heritage sites Rani Pokhari and Kasthamandap would start soon as the disputes between stakeholders have been resolved.

Speaking at an event, NRA Chief Executive Officer Sushil Gyewali vowed significant work progress within a year.

“Reconstruction of Rani Pokhari will start soon. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has locked the design. The reconstruction will take place in three phases,” Gyewali said.

The first phase will build Rani Pokhari’s perimeter wall followed by filling the pond with water. The third phase will reconstruct Bal Gopaleshwor Temple in the centre of the pond.

“The authority will start the tender bid process soon and doable work would begin immediately. If everything goes as planned, the Bal Goapleshwor temple will re-open next Tihar,” Gyewali said.

Tihar is Nepal’s second major festival celebrated over five days during autumn. Temples open for public allowing those without siblings to celebrate Bhai Tika.”

The authority, mandated to rebuild homes and infrastructure damaged by the earthquake in 2015, plans to link the pond with Durbar Marg area. To this end, the authority has started talks with Tri Chandra Campus.

The authority has said it has identified the source for the timber needed to rebuild Kasthamandap in Mahotari district.

“This is exactly the kind of timber we want. The length as well as quality ensures retaining the sites’ historic essence,” said Gyewali.

Currently, artists conscripted to rebuild the heritage site are attending a workshop. All preparatory work would be complete before transporting the timber to the site.

Manufacturing bricks for Kasthamandap would start soon. “Our plan is to complete work of Kasthamandap’s first storey before the end of current fiscal year,” Gyewali said.

Five panels would ensure the sites retain their traditional aesthetics, he added.