People in several VDCs of Darchula district have been affected as a suspension bridge at the Nepal-India border over Mahakali River is out of order fort the past two months.

The Jaulijibi suspension bridge is a lifeline for the inhabitants of Uku, Lali, Kharakda, Dandakot, Shankarpur and other VDCs close to the border. The villagers rely on the bridge to go to the bordering Indian town of Jalajibi to buy their daily essentials. With the bridge out of order, there has been a shortage of food and other everyday necessities.  

Lokendra Singh Dhami, a local trader, said his shop was running out of supplies but he was unable to visit Jalajibi because of the delay in repairing the bridge.

Others complained the prices of daily essentials have shot up after the bridge was rendered impassable.

“Rice that cost Rs 32 per kilogram before now costs Rs 50,” said Tularam Tamata of Uku.

Tracks linking the affected villages with marketplaces inside the district are unreliable, particularly during monsoon, because of landslides.

Officials at the District Development Committee said much of the repair work of the bridge has been completed and only about 15 percent work remains.