Holding center in Kailali falls Into disrepair after years of inactivity

Kailali: The Holding Center constructed to accommodate COVID-19 patients returning from India during the pandemic is gradually deteriorating due to prolonged non-use.

Built by the federal government three years ago in Badhara, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City–3, Kailali, the facility has remained unused since its completion. The primary reason for its inactivity is the failure to transfer ownership, even years after construction was completed.

According to Shivraj Joshi, Information Officer at the District Administration Office, Kailali, no official communication has been received regarding the ownership transfer of the Holding Center. He said no decision has been made on which of the three tiers of government—federal, provincial, or local—will take responsibility for the facility. Although the Ministry of Defense had earlier formed a committee to determine ownership and future operations, no follow-up information has been provided to the local administration.

Joshi stated that the Holding Center was constructed by the Nepali Army and that the Ministry of Defense is responsible for determining its operational structure. However, no directives have been issued so far. He added that the Nepali Army is currently overseeing the facility.

The Holding Center, designed to accommodate up to 1,000 people, includes 59 blocks, 20 quarantine units, two medical rooms, 22 toilets, and 15 kitchens. Construction began in Baisakh 2078 BS with a budget of Rs 288.1 million allocated by the federal government and was completed in Shrawan 2079 BS.