Kathmandu, September 15
It has been revealed that Kathmandu Metropolitan City recently approved the construction of a building in Basantapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, violating the construction law.
Later, the authority prepared a different letter citing the approval was not granted so as to save itself from further investigation and cover its earlier error.
A four-storey building is being constructed at the entrance of Basantapur Durbar Square. After locals protested the construction citing it would threaten the World Heritage status, the District Administration Office has halted the construction works.
But now, it has been found that the KMC had approved the Maharjan Business Associates’ plan to construct the building.
Interestingly, the approval obtained by the company and its copy kept at the KMC office do not match. The approval received by the company reads that constructing four storeies and the basement for underground parking has been approved whereas the record at KMC office shows that only four storeies have been approved.
Section 8 of the Ancient Monument Preservation Act says buildings with basement parking cannot be constructed nearby World Heritage sites.
Further, the building has exceeded the height limit (35 feet) set by the law.
Meanwhile, KMC spokesperson Namaraj Dhakal says action will be taken if anyone is found guilty.
