As many as Rs 25 million spent for reconstruction of the Ranipokhari temple, demolished in the earthquake, went in vain after the dispute emerged among the locals, Department of Archaeology, and Kathmandu Metropolis.

Due to the dispute, the structures created so far have to be demolished.

Account officer at Kathmandu Metropolitan office, Shyam Pande, informed that Rs 116 million was the estimated cost for the reconstruction of the Ranipokhari temple, while the contract was made for some Rs 70 million.

Worldwide Kandel KN KG JV had begun the reconstruction since 2073 BS.

But, now, the Kathmandu Metropolis has decided to reconstruct the temple along with the other structures of the Ranipokhari by removing the modern structures raised so far.

As per the contract, contract company director Arjun Kandel, informed that construction of wall for the first phase was over. "But, it was halted for various reasons," he added.

Meanwhile, the locals have accused the Kathmandu Metropolis of misusing the tax they paid. RSS