By Jibachha Yadav, Lahan, Mar. 1: The Sakhuwanankarati locals in the southern Siraha who were dependent upon Lahan Bazaar in the east to buy everything have been elated as their village observed infrastructural development thereby easing their access to the market.

Mahendra Prasad Yadav, ward chair at Sakhuwanankarati-3, said, "The installation of open-air markets at the 13-kilometer long Lahan-Thadi road has made it easier for the locals of Sakhuwanankarak and Bhagwanpur Rural Municipalities to find goods and commodities in the price rate same as Lahan Bazaar."

"Along with the accessibility to the market, the straw houses in Mahadewa Khariyani and Pariharpur village have also been displaced, the concrete road has been constructed in the village and huge stores are in operation in concrete buildings at Mahadewa Pariharpur chowk in the east," added ward chair Yadav.

He said, "The locals are now not compelled to visit the Lahan market to buy even a pack of salt. After the local representatives started being active, people have started investing to run business in villages."

Ghuran Yadav, a local said, "I have built a concrete house from the money sent by my son from abroad. I have been operating a hardware shop at my own building from which I easily earn Rs. 50,000 per month."

Many locals like Ghuran Yadav share the same thought of investing in the village rather than depending upon the city area for everything including basic supplies.

Likewise, Ram Narayan Yadav, former ward chair of Mahadeva Rural Municipality said that he had currently prioritised paddy farming over politics.

After the construction of a concrete road by the local government, the establishment of the open-air market (Hatiya) has encouraged the locals to farm vegetables, wheat, and paddy.

Moreover, Chief of Siraha District Coordination Committee Ram Chandra Thakur said that eight of the 17 local levels have been observing urbanisation.

"The budget furnished by the federal and provincial government has been constructing hospitals, schools, and roads," he added.