DANGEROUS CROSSING by Kishor Maharjan

On 9 August, Budhiganga River swelled and swept away the Bailey bridge, and five other suspension bridges. For a month, Bajura, some 950 KM from Kathmandu has been cut off from the district headquarters, Martadi. The flood swept away houses, farmlands, cattle, which has added to the challenges of the community, already grappling with the pandemic lockdowns.

A month since the flood wreaked havoc, the government has not taken any initiative to come up with solutions. A few weeks ago, Padam Bahadur Baduwal, a village elder brought together sixteen men from the villages and constructed a temporary ‘tuin’ ropeway. They did this without the permission of the government, and have been warned by the authorities that they will be held responsible in case of accidents. They say they are ready to face the consequences and will take full responsibility for the passengers.

Those wanting to go across pay Rs. 50, sit on a cart and are pulled over the river to the other side. On average, 150 people make the ropeway crossing daily.

Video and Text: Kishor Maharjan @kishor.maharjan

Edit: Mallika Aryal @mikaness

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