The expert committee formed to study Rani Pokhari has recommended that the reconstruction of the historic pond should be carried out based on the original design of King Pratap Malla.

The committee made public its preliminary report following a public hearing in the Capital on Wednesday. The 11-member committee was formed under former director general of the Department of Archaeology Bishnu Raj Karki on December 28 after the renovation of the pond ran into controversy with the use of concrete during reconstruction.

The report has recommended rebuilding the Rani Pokhari pond, which was severely damage in the 2015 earthquake, in three different stages for its sustainability and pond preservation.  

“An additional study of the original archaeological status of the pond and the Yameleshwor temple which is in the middle of the pond should be conducted before proceedings with the first phase of reconstruction works,” the report suggests.

The committee has also recommended that a study of traditional water resources, through archaeological excavation, be carried out to find out the water inlet and outlet of the pond, the report says, referring to the source that originally used to flow into Rani Pokhari from Bhotahiti. “We could take experts help in figuring out the way to preserve water in the pond for longer period,” it says.

Calling for another excavation should be done to trace the location of the original foundation of the Yameleshwor temple, the committee has suggested a removal of the concrete retaining wall in the eastern part of the pond. “A map should be prepared with detailed archaeological study before carrying out the construction works,” the report says, even suggesting making prototype of bricks that date back to Pratap Malla (the ninth king of Kantipur 1641-74) to carry out further construction works. 

For the second phase of reconstruction works, the committee has recommended that the wall that has been erected at 45-degree angle from the pond should be retained. The wall was torn down during the reconstruction works. The wall is located on the eastern and southern sides of the pond.

For the third phase, the committee has recommended that the pond’s archaeological and historical value should be kept intact while carrying out the beautification task.

It has also suggested bringing to life all four temples that lie on the four corners of the Rani Pokhari pond with renovation and reconstruction works.