KATHMANDU, Dec 26: The row between Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya and Deputy-Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has reached its saturation level. Recently, the dispute between KMC mayor and deputy-mayor was seen vividly on Tuesday in the reconstruction of Ranipokhari.
Ranipokhari's reconstruction to resume on May 15
Deputy-Mayor Khadgi padlocked the gate of Ranipokhari against the use of concrete materials for the construction of the wall. However, within two hours Mayor Shakya unlocked the gate and monitored the reconstruction work. Deputy-Mayor Khadgi directed urban infrastructure development department chief Suresh Rai and the contractor company to suspend the project work immediately citing that the use of concrete would endanger the historic feature of Ranipokhari. Following the instruction, ward chairperson of ward 28 Bhai Ram Khadgi locked the gate in attendance of Deputy-Mayor Khadgi.
“Ranipokhari carries historic significance. We cannot take a chance to reconstruct this historical site threatening to its importance. We are here to protect it which has an archaeological value”, Khadgi said. The locals of the KMC are protesting against the use of concrete materials.
However, Mayor Shakya instructed to unlock the gate of Ranipokhari within two hours. Few locals present at the site made objection. “I came here to monitor after the dispute took place. We will try to settle down the dispute very soon with coordination of archaeological department, Nepal Reconstruction Authority and Kathmandu Metropolitan City”, Shakya informed.
