The structural integrity of one of Kathmandu's most revered cultural landmarks is racing against the clock as city officials push to finalize emergency roof repairs before the upcoming monsoon season.
Following reports of severe leaks during last year's rainy season, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, conducted an on-site inspection of the Kumari Vahal (Kumari Ghar) in Basantapur on Thursday. Recognizing the threat of further water damage, she issued strict directives to the construction team to expedite the restoration and weatherproof the building swiftly.
The urgency stems from the building's profound religious and social importance, which Dangol described as the "face of Kathmandu." A technical study committee was initially formed last year on Shrawan 2 to assess the deterioration after the roof's vulnerabilities were exposed.
Renovation work officially commenced on Falgun 25, following a bidding process that led to a contract agreement with Ajay Nirman Sewa on Falgun 11. During her Thursday visit, Dangol engaged directly with the contractors, assuring them of the metropolis's full administrative and logistical backing to ensure the deadline is met. She emphatically noted that the fast-tracked repairs must be executed carefully to avoid compromising the site's traditional aesthetics or daily religious practices.
Alongside the Kumari Ghar, the Acting Mayor also evaluated the ongoing reconstruction of the metropolis's fire brigade (Barun Yantra) headquarters in New Road, mandating strict adherence to project timelines for that facility as well.
Once the immediate physical vulnerabilities of the Kumari Ghar are resolved, local authorities plan to facilitate further social and religious initiatives associated with the historic site to preserve its vibrant cultural legacy.
