Construction work of Ranipokhari 74 percent Completion:
The construction work of Ranipokhari of religious, cultural, and historical significance damaged by the earthquake has reached the final stage. The construction work of Ranipokhari has been completed 97 percent of the time. The National Reconstruction Authority has stated that the construction of the pond will be completed within this year.
Rajuman Manandhar, a construction expert of the National Reconstruction Authority, said that sand, black clay, and bricks were being laid at the bottom of the pond. 'Mahapa' bricks have been ordered from South Barahi of Bhaktapur.
According to him, after the completion of soling work at the bottom of the pond, the work of keeping water from the borehole connected in the pond area will be started. Two boreholes have been connected in the pond area. A three-phase power line is required to run the boring, for which a formal process has been started with the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Similarly, a rainwater harvesting system has been installed in the Ranipokhari area to draw water from the dug well in Tundikhel and also to collect sky water. He said that the road was constructed to prevent water from entering the pond during the rainy season. He clarified that now the water of Ranipokhari will be clean.
30 million liters of water:
A total of 30 million liters of water is planned to be stored in Ranipokhari, said NEA construction expert Manandhar. The pond will have a depth of five feet four inches of water. Considering the archeological significance of the pond, the construction work has been completed in the same way as in the time of Pratap Malla. He clarified that no modern construction materials including rods and cement were used. According to him, 'Mahapa' bricks are being used in the construction of the wall of the pond and according to the pattern of Pratap Malla's time, 'Mahapa' bricks are being cut and spread in the shape of fish.
While Manandhar is beautifying the pond, work is being done on two levels above the pond. The work of printing bricks in one layer is 90 percent complete. The wall work has been completed. Similarly, only stone printing is left in the second tier. He said that the work of printing stone will start in a few days. The work of finishing the eight floors being constructed in the second tier has reached the final stage. Rs. 78.5 million has been spent on the construction of the pond so far.
The work of the temple is half completed:
Construction expert Manandhar informed that the construction work of the temple under construction in Ranipokhari has been completed 50 percent. So far, Rs. 70 million has been spent on the construction of the temple. A temple of Balagopaleshwar is being constructed in the middle of Ranipokhari in the style of Shikhar. Electric wires have been connected to the temple. Only Kaligarh experts from Kirtipur and Chobhar are involved in the construction of the temple.
The work has been delayed due to the lockdown as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate Ranipokhari within April. Stating that the work has been continued even during the bandh, he clarified that the work could not be completed due to a lack of manpower.
According to expert Manandhar, Ranipokhari and Balgopaleshwar temples will be operational for all citizens from the upcoming Bhaitika. Worship will be available, brothers and sisters can worship. Of the 86 people working in the construction of the temple, 19 are currently working and one engineer and 25 workers are working in the construction of the pond. Despite the imprisonment, there is no shortage of construction materials.
