Kathmandu, Jan. 26 -- A team from the Department of Archaeology is set to inspect the Kamal Pokhari restoration project site on Wednesday, following widespread criticism from citizens' group and heritage lovers who claim that the historic pond is being desecrated in the name of rehabilitation.

"We are going for an inspection visit of Kamal Pokhari to see the ongoing restoration works," said Ram Bahadur Kunwar, spokesperson of the department.

"Since the pond holds a historic and cultural significance, there should not be any compromise in its reconstruction and conservation work."

The centuries-old pond, which some believe dates back to the ancient Lichhavi era, is being restored and beautified by Kathmandu Metropolitan City. But herita...