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The Queen’s Pond in a sorry state
KATHMANDU, APR 07 -
It remains one of the most prime pieces of real estate in the Capital, as well as being one of the landmarks of the city. Yet, Rani Pokhari, for all it’s charm and history, remains dilapidated, dirty, and neglected.
The historic pond, which is over 300 years old, is now in real need of attention. For, the steps on the southern side of the Balgopaleshwar Mahadev temple which stands in the middle of the pond, has been broken for the last five years.
However, no initiative has been taken to repair the brick steps.
“I have been reporting about it for the last five years but to no avail,” said Hari Sharan K.C., Unit In-Charge of Ratnapark and Rani Pokhari Management Committee. “If not repaired immediately, there is a risk that the temple itself might collapse.”
The brick steps touch the pond’s waters, and there are fears that the water might corrode the foundation of the temple.
However, Rabinman Shrestha of the Environment Management Department at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City denied any reports of disrepair. “We haven’t got any such complaints.” Though he admitted that they haven’t been able to take any serious initiative on the pond because of lack of funds.
Increasing daytime temperature is slowly drying up the pond as well. K.C. said water levels have dropped by more than three feet this year alone, and feared that the fish might die due to lack of water and breathing oxygen.
A similar incident had happened eight years ago in 2002 when a large number of fish died due to lower water levels.
At present, Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), the water utility, is supplying water to the pond thrice a week. However, K.C. said that is not enough, and he is negotiating with KUKL to provide more water.
The pond was built by King Pratap Malla to please his queen who was in a state of shock after their son died in 1670. “The government should take steps immediately to preserve the pond,” K.C. said.
Last month, the government launched a project to revive the pond within the next four years which includes the removal of all advertising billboards around Rani Pokhari, a public toilet on the Jamal side, and the buildings of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Office and Tri-Chandra campus. But no work on the project has been initiated yet.
Seventy-year-old Keshab Lal Amatya, who has lived in the city all his life, said, “The pond was very beautiful with a garden around it a few decades ago. But the times have changed now.”
Posted on: 2010-04-08 08:00
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