Conservationists are not so keen about Kamal Pokhari restoration project

Kathmandu Metropolitan City is restoring the centuries-old pond as a recreation centre complete with small artificial ponds at four corners and a fountain at the centre.

As Rajendra Singh takes a walk around Kamal Pokhari, where restoration of the pond is underway, he looks content. Singh believes in a few years time Kamal Pokhari’s face will be changed—it will be a place for people to enjoy leisure time in the heart of Kathmandu. “The pond is going to be developed as a recreation park. We will have a space for a children's playground and an area for people to play sports in the southwest area of the park. Kamal Pokhari will be cleaner, beautiful and full of life,” said Singh, chair of Kamal Pokhari Chhath Puja Samaj, who is also currently overseeing the restoration. Like Singh, many local residents of the area are happy with the ongoing restoration work. For years the pond had looked unkempt. The project also hopes to have the pond filled with clean water throughout the year.