Nepal, Jan. 13 -- When President Bidya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the newly reconstructed Rani Pokhari in October, it was considered a major feat in post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal. The iconic pond was said to have regained its glory and was expected to be a role model for the reconstruction of other heritage structures that had been ravaged by the earthquake. But the lake's water has now been covered by algae just two months after the inauguration. Conservationists say the accumulation of algae is due to the lack of an outlet in the pond, and that various methods, including oxidisation as well as fish farming apart from manual cleaning, would help remove the algae temporarily.

However, authorities cannot depend on short-term reme...