MANTHALI: The Bhatauli River concrete bridge, a vital link connecting four municipalities in Ramechhap district—including the headquarters Manthali—and serving as an alternative route to Kathmandu, is at serious risk due to erosion caused by river flooding.
Situated on the alternate road section connecting Manthali with Khandadevi, Doramba Sailung, and Sunapati rural municipalities, the bridge is now under threat as floodwaters from the Bhatauli River continue to erode its foundations.
The river has been directly hitting the bridge’s pillars, especially on the Pakarbas side, which links Manthali Municipality-7 and Khandadevi Rural Municipality-4.
Local resident Khem Bahadur Khatri of Khandadevi-4 said the river’s strong current has been wearing away the base of the bridge. He warned that without immediate protection—such as a retaining wall or wire mesh—the bridge could face severe damage.
Despite informing authorities including the rural municipality, Manthali Municipality, and the District Administration Office, Khatri said there has been no response.
Another local, Akkal Bahadur Majhi, echoed the concern, noting that the situation has worsened since the onset of the rainy season, with the river flooding frequently and increasing the risk to the bridge.
Manthali Municipality-7 ward chairperson Bhuvanahari Prasai pointed out that heavy rains in the upper areas of Bahunchura, Pingkhuri, and Gagal cause the river to flood almost daily.
“The bridge lies on the border of Manthali-7 and Khandadevi-4. I have raised this issue in the municipal executive meeting. Both municipalities need to act jointly to address the problem,” he said.
Krishna Poudel, chairperson of Khandadevi Rural Municipality-4, confirmed that the matter has been reported to the concerned authorities.
This concrete bridge is a critical part of the transport network linking the rural municipalities and serves as a key alternate route between Ramechhap and Kathmandu. Following the collapse of the Khurkot bridge last year, all vehicles traveling to and from Dolakha and Ramechhap were diverted to this route.
Even now, heavy vehicles carrying more than 15 tons are barred from crossing the Bailey bridge at Khurkot and must use this bridge instead.
“If this bridge is damaged, transport in the area will come to a halt,” warned Bal Bahadur Tamang, a resident of Manthali-7. “If we don’t act now to protect it, we’ll only be left with regret.”
Manthali Municipality Chief Lab Shrestha acknowledged the risk and stated that while no budget has been allocated in the current fiscal year to address the issue, emergency repairs could be made using the disaster relief fund if the situation worsens.
(RSS)
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