Kathmandu, October 11

More than three years after the 2015 earthquakes, the Hanumandhoka Durbar Preservation Programme has conducted resilience test of the historic Kumari Ghar, which houses living Goddess Kumari.

The Kumari Ghar is supported by wooden or metal poles after it suffered damage in the earthquakes. The HDCP used ‘flat jack test’ to assess vertical load bearing capacity of the walls of the building. The test report is expected to be made public within four days. The HDCP is a body responsible for undertaking development projects at Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kumari Ghar was built in 1757. Head of HDCP Uday Bahadur Pasakhala said, “We wanted to remove the wooden and metal poles supporting the house, but we were not sure of the strength of the building, which was damaged in the earthquakes. The test will reveal if the house needs renovation.”

Guthi Sansthan, a body responsible for organising traditional festivals and protect the building, has already prepared the blueprint for reconstruction of the house.