Kathmandu, July 6 -- The Social Welfare Council has refused to vacate the land in Bhrikutimandap where the Kathmandu Metropolitan City is planning to develop a 'mega hall'.

The council has been using the government-owned land by turning it into exhibition and convention centres, and they are the chief source of income for the council.

Last month, Kathmandu Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya had announced the plane to build a mega hall on the property, a decision that was panned by many urban planners and heritage conservationists who accused the mayor of trying to further squeeze the few remaining open spaces in the city.

To execute the plan, the city office had approached the government and the council to secure the property in Bhrikutimandap....