KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Locals of Kathmandu along with social activists staged a sit-in protest at Basantapur Durbar Square on Monday to raise voice against an under-construction building which has jeopardized the Kumari shrine and temple of Nasal god. 

Maharjan Business Associates Pvt Ltd (MBAPL) is reconstruction the earthquake-damaged building by breaching the code of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It has also affected the adjoining treasury house that dates back to the Malla dynasty. 

MBAPL has expedited the construction despite protests from the locals and activists saying it has already received a go-ahead from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. However, the metropolis has given permission to construct the building by abiding by the criteria of world heritage site, informed Ganapati Lal Shrestha, a local activist. 

Shrestha further informed that the builders had dug basement due to which land had caved in at various places around the area. As per the criteria of UNESCO, no basement should be made in the heritage site. 

"This is posing serious threat to the national heritage site and mainly the adjoining Malla-era treasury,” Shrestha added.

According to Shrestha, even after informing various government authorities about the violation by MABL, no action has been taken yet. This has further angered the locals. 

“We are not fighting with any particular person but just trying to save our ancient heritage," he said.

The protest was peacefully conducted at the entrance of Basantapur Durbar Square.  Different political parties have also supported the protest in order to save the ancient heritage.

 
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