Rs 50,000 support provded to family of woman who died in ‘chhaugoth’

KANCHANPUR: Krishnapur Municipality has provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the family of Kamala Damai, 28, of Nigali, Krishnapur Municipality-1, who died after being bitten by a snake while staying in a ‘chhaugoth’ (menstruation hut).

Mayor Hemraj Ojha said the municipality’s executive committee decided to offer the support in light of the tragedy. “We have decided to provide Rs 50,000 to the victim’s family,” he said. “We will also hold further discussions regarding the education and welfare of her three children.”

Calling such deaths the result of harmful social traditions, Mayor Ojha said a campaign has been launched to demolish chhaugoths—isolated huts where menstruating women are forced to stay.

“We have already started demolishing chhaugoths and are raising awareness for safer living conditions for women during menstruation,” he added. “The municipality will withhold social security allowances, recommendation letters, and other municipal services from those who continue this harmful practice.”

He further stated that discussions are underway with local authorities to cut off electricity supply to households that refuse to dismantle chhaugoths.

Kamala Damai died last Saturday after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in a chhaugoth in Nigali, Krishnapur-1.