DODHARA CHANDANI: A total of 39 menstrual huts were recently demolished across Kanchanpur district. The District Police Office reported that Bedkot Municipality-10 dismantled 23 huts, while Krishnapur Municipality-1 removed 16 huts used by girls and women during menstruation.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohara stated that the demolitions took place in the presence of local representatives, social organizations, police, and community members. Nigali and Bhenti Bazaar saw the highest number of huts dismantled.
The urgency to act grew following the tragic death of 28-year-old Kamala Auji, who died from a snakebite while staying in a menstrual hut last month in Nagal, Krishnapur Municipality-1.
Following this, the District Administration Office issued directives to all local bodies to eliminate huts used for the harmful practice rooted in superstition—that women and girls should be separated from family members during menstruation to avoid disrespecting God.
Ratan Singh Bista, Ward No. 10 Chairman of Bedkot Municipality, confirmed the demolition of 23 huts in his area but expressed concern: “We dismantle the menstrual huts, but some households rebuild them.”
He added that plans are underway to provide orientation programs to educate households on the dangers and harms of this superstitious practice.
Raising widespread public awareness is crucial to eradicating social evils like chhau—the isolation and untouchability of menstruating women through seclusion in menstrual huts (chhaugoth).
Mohan Basnet, Chairman of Ward No. 1, noted that his community is relatively aware of the issue and has already destroyed 16 such huts in the past.
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