Schoolchildren of Rithapata and Subeda in Bajhang have been facing difficulties going to their schools in Chainpur, the district headquarters.

The only suspension bridge over the Bahuligadh stream, which the children have to cross to reach their schools, was swept away during last year’s monsoon. 

Locals here are left with no option than to carry their children piggyback to take them across the stream. But this is dangerous, they say, adding that they won’t be able to cross the river when rains continue, as it will be impossible to cross the swollen stream. 

People until a few days ago were using a makeshift bridge built over the stream, but that too has been swept away.

Birendra Dhami, a local from Debal, said children of Subeda, Simkhet, Naura, Debal and Rithapata are facing a tough times attending classes. 

With no bridge over the Bahuligadh stream, locals from these villages have to walk for at least three kilometres to reach the district headquarters. “We are facing a hard time,” said Rupa Joshi of Subeda, adding that people in need of urgent medical attention have been hit hard.

Villagers said they have been forced into such a dire situation because of the apathy of the authorities that have failed to construct a bridge over the stream even in the last one year. 

Jagat Prasad Joshi, chief of the District Technical Office, said bidding for the construction of a bridge has already been completed and that it will be constructed within a year. “People will face hardships during next monsoon,” added Joshi.