Lalitpur, Aug. 11 -- It's a hot, languorous afternoon in Lagankhel. A group of women and men is busy working at Nhu Pokhu (Nau Pokhari), south-east from Patan Hospital, despite the summer heat-beads of sweat trickle down their foreheads.

Some are mixing surki, a concoction of brick powder, lime water and sand; some are going back and forth carrying construction materials. A few others are laying bricks on a retaining wall being constructed on the southern side of the pond.

They are reviving the historic Nhu Pokhu which dates back to the Malla era (12th to 18th century). Until just a few months ago, the pond, situated in Ward No. 5 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, wore a deserted look. Overgrowth of vegetation and rows of shacks-housing sh...