Locals lock down DDC and ward offices in Attariya over relocation issue

Attariya: Residents of Attariya, Kailali, have locked down the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) in Attariya and the ward offices of Godavari Municipality-1 in protest against the proposed relocation of the DDC.

The protest intensified after equipment installed in the DDC began being relocated without prior notice. Locals stopped work in the offices and sent back cranes and trucks brought for the relocation process.

Tara Devi Mahara, a local resident, said she has been campaigning for the past year to prevent the DDC from being moved from Attariya. “I was forced to lock down the office after the relocation work was started overnight without informing anyone,” she stated, adding that even the DDC’s production room was locked.

Geeta Chaudhary, another local, said the protest was necessary after learning that the DDC office and its materials were being relocated overnight. Locals also locked the Ward No. 1 office, accusing the ward and municipal offices of failing to provide the necessary land for DDC expansion and maintain the corporation in Attariya.

Ward Chairman Gopal Dutt Bhatta expressed solidarity with the protest, stating that he also opposes the relocation. He explained that the required land for expansion could not be provided earlier due to issues with DDC’s ownership, but the relocation process is now moving forward without proper communication despite submission of the necessary documents.

According to Bhatta, the DDC General Manager demanded Rs 4 million and 10 bighas of land immediately, warning that the office would be relocated if these were not provided. “Since it was not possible to provide them immediately, the relocation has started without informing anyone. Why is such a large sum and land suddenly being demanded?” he questioned.

The protest gained momentum after plans to shift the DDC to Dhangadhi were initiated in Poush last year. At that time, a task force was formed under the coordination of the ward chairperson of Godavari Municipality-1, and a commitment was made to provide the necessary land for the DDC within Godavari itself.