By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, June 27: Sundhara, the famous water spout of Kathmandu, is going to be renovated by the Bhakatapur-based workers who had earlier worked in the reconstruction of Ranipokhari, another landmark of the Kathmandu Valley.
Under the Dharahara reconstruction project, the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) is going to renovate the golden spouts.
Around Rs. 1.2 million has been estimated for manufacturing, supplying, fixing and finishing gold plated bronze casing to renovate the spouts, popularly known as Sundhara.
The team of the workers already visited the site. They will start renovation process within a few days, said Raju Man Manandhar, expert of the NRA.
The present structure of Sundhara will be demolished before beginning its renovation in its original shape abiding by the archeological norms and standards. Stones and bricks were misplaced from its orginal places as it has remained neglected for a long time, he said.
He further said, “We have preferred the Bhaktapur-based workers as they possess knowledge, skill and idea of rebuilding old ponds and water spouts. They had already exhibited their dexterity while rebuilding the Ranipokhari.”
The Sundhara had worn a desolate look after its water source got destroyed during the construction of the nearby Kathmandu Mall. Water in the ancient spouts dried up in 2005.
Reviving Sundhara means recharging the spouts by building a new water channel.
The outlet supply channel has also been damaged while building the Sundhara-based hotels.
“The major challenge for us is to bring back water and open new outlet channel. We have decided to open outlet water channel through Bhadrakli to the Tukucha River and supply water from Tundikhel by digging some wells there,” he said.
Manandhar added that the existing three stone spouts would be carved in the required size and the shape and gilding would be applied on 16-gauge bronze.
A bell made of an alloy of brass and zinc, locally called Dhalaut, will also be installed. The bell will be of an approved size with a diameter of 0.9 metre and a minimum height of 1.00 metre.
The NRA has estimated Rs. 8000,000 to install the bell and additional Rs. 800,000 for the installation of oil-fed lamp (Diyo) of carved stone.
Similarly, it has also planned to install flowerpots to add beauty to Sundhara.
Sundhara is one of the cases showing how building of poorly-planned structures inflict damages on important heritages.
It was built by Queen Lalita Tripurasundari Devi in 1885 BS.