By Sherbahadur Sarki
Bajura, Nov. 7: Construction of a bailey bridge over the Budhiganga River is yet to be completed in Badimalika Municipality, Bajura, even after months following the damage, thereby halting vehicular movement.
The swelling of the Budhiganga River induced by incessant downpour had swept away the Bailey bridge along the Sanfe-Martadi road-section on July 9. But even four months after the bridge collapsed, construction has not come to fruition, which has compelled several vehicles to navigate through the river itself.
As water flow shows no sign of letting up, crossing the river has become a herculean task, especially for commercial vehicles, said a tractor driver, Ram Chaudhary.
“I am transporting grains all the way from Dhangadhi and there is no bridge to cross the river. Regardless we have been taking considerable risks in delivering the goods to the district headquarter Martadi covering the produce with canopy and driving directly across the river,” he said.
Sometimes the vehicles make the crossing without breaking a sweat, but at times, as per truck driver Khadak Rawat, heavy-loaded vehicles get stuck in the middle and can only be pulled across by excavators.
While many district stakeholders had shown their enthusiasm in building a bailey bridge as soon as the water receded, their energy hasn’t produced any discernible results.
For the time being, thanks to the local youths, a wooden bridge over the river has somewhat made it easier for the residents to travel back and forth.
Apart from this, there are also dozens of river bridges in Barjugad, Taprisera Ghattekhola, Harhare Khola along the Sanphe Martadi Highway, all of which are in decrepitude.
Considering the burdensome obstruction of vehicular movement, Bajura Road Division Office has been requesting the immediate construction of a bailey bridge on the river, according to the District Administration Office, Bajura.
According to Bajura Chief District Officer Krishna Gaire, an agreement has been reached for the transportation of the bailey bridge at Godavari in Kailali to the Jagunga River in Bajura.
As the bridges connected to the highway are completely damaged due to the floods, it is not possible to rebuild them all immediately. As compared to other rivers, crossing the Jadanga Khola during the winter will be even more taxing, which is why it will be built immediately.
According to the Sanfe Martadi Road Division Office, Achham, construction for other bridges damaged due to the flood will also be underway soon but are currently awaiting approval of concerned authorities.