A study has revealed that the geological structure of Darchula headquarters, Khalanga, is found weak, thereby prompting it as an earthquake-prone area.

The district headquarters has a sprawling dense residential area and marketplace while the majority of the private properties built in the area has weak structures seemingly unlikely to withstand jolts, a study held by Api Municipality has revealed, said Municipality’s Engineer Mahendra Singh.

“The geological formation here is weak and it is necessary that the town dwellers strictly comply with building codes when constructing structures,” Singh emphasised.

According to him, the houses constructed replacing the old mud-and-stone houses are insecure, which obviously aggravates the risk. There are many people erecting four to five storey houses on a small patch of land property.

The engineer added that Darchula is hit by minor earthquakes two to three times a month.

The Municipality has pledged to strictly enforce building code in the town. Municipality’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Birendra Singh Dhami said the illegal buildings constructed within the public areas will be removed. “Darchula is in high risk of earthquakes,” Dhami said, adding, “We must focus on quake-resistant buildings.”