Suspension bridge connecting two districts at risk due to flood in Trishuli River

TANAHU: A suspension bridge linking Tanahu with Chitwan district is in danger of collapse due to raging Trishuli River.

The torrential rain of September 27, 28 and 29 swelled the river, thereby posing a threat to the bridge which is the sole alternative route for local residents at Aanbookhareni Rural Municipality Ward No 5 to cross the district.

Chairperson of Aanbookhaireni Rural Municipality-5 Santosh Gurung shared that local residents had been facing problems in travelling to another district due to precarious condition of the bridge following the flooded river.

The bridge serves as the only alternative route for the local residents to access Maglin as the under-construction concrete bridge at Ghumaune has been in limbo for over 10 years with only 40 percent of physical progress so far.

He mentioned that the suspension bridge that lies on the Buddha Singh Marga is the only vital link for the local residents to access Muglin- Narayangadh (Chitwan).

The increased volume of public traffic using the bridge with the start of the ongoing Dashain festival further risked the bridge, Gurung voiced his concern.

The local authority has implemented a pro-tem measure, allowing the locals to cross the bridge taking a turn to reduce immediate risk of collapse, he informed, reporting that the bridge is tilted due to flood damage.

Meanwhile, Gandaki Province Assembly member Hari Bahadur Chuman and Aanbookhaireni rural municipality Chairperson Sukra Chuman along with a technical team inspected the bridge last Friday.

Chairperson Chuman, taking cognizance of the inconvenience and danger facing the locals, assured of immediate repair of the bridge.