Kathmandu, Dec 23-The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has handed over the reconstructed Ranipokhari to Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). The NRA handed over the responsibility of taking care of Ranipokhari after the completion of first phase of the reconstruction.Chief Executive Officer Sushil Gyawali transferred the remaining responsibility to KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya. Now, only 10 percent of reconstruction works outside the historic pond is remained. The remaining works would accomplished by the Ministry of Urban Development.

In the handover programme on Thursday, Mayor Shakya said although KMC had itself initiated the reconstruction works following the 2015 earthquake, the NRA was given responsibility later due to wrangling.The reconstructed historic heritage is not only the property of KMC but also of the country, Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi reminded, adding that it is therefore a common responsibility of all to preserve the historic pond.

After nine months of the devastative Gorkha Earthquake, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had launched the heritage reconstruction from Ranipokhari.NRA CEO Gyawali expressed happiness over the reconstruction of the heritage. Although it was challenging to maintain originality of the structure made some 360 years ago, the NRA became successful on it, he added.It was shared that the rebuilding of the Ranipokhari structures including Balgopaleshwor Temple cost a total Rs 26o million.