Shantikatan residents condition votes on construction of concrete bridge over Shivaganga river

Dhangadhi: Residents of Shantikatan Tole in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City–15, Kailali, have stated that they will cast their votes in the upcoming House of Representatives election on Falgun 21 only for the political party that commits to constructing a concrete bridge over the Shivaganga River.

Shantikatan, geographically situated like an island between the Khutiya and Shivaganga rivers, has long been demanding the construction of a concrete bridge at Belghat on the Shivaganga River to connect Shantikatan with Urma.

Locals say the absence of a bridge has made communication with the ward office difficult and has directly affected residents of Wards No. 16 and 17 as well. Due to the lack of a concrete bridge, residents are forced to travel long distances via the Belly Bridge to reach Dhangadhi. This has caused difficulties during weddings, social programs and in transporting patients for medical treatment.

Harinarayan Rana, a local resident of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City–15, said that although access to Dhangadhi Bazaar is relatively easy through the stone bridge over the Khutiya River, reaching ward-level services remains inconvenient due to the absence of a bridge over the Shivaganga River. He added that ambulances are often forced to take hours-long detours to reach Shantikatan, despite the location being only five minutes away if a bridge existed. He stressed that the construction of a concrete bridge is the primary demand of the local residents.

Local resident Asmita Chaudhary said that various political parties have repeatedly promised to construct a bridge over the Shivaganga River in the past, but those promises have not been fulfilled. “We do not want false assurances now,” she said, adding that this time the community will vote only for the party that builds a concrete bridge and earns their trust.

Similarly, Pashupati Devi Sarki of the same tole said that residents will support the political party that provides a reliable basis for constructing a concrete bridge over the Shivaganga River in this election. She noted that as residents of an area surrounded by two rivers, a concrete bridge is essential for easy access to ward offices and services. She added that although a suspension bridge exists, it is insufficient to meet all needs.

Mangli Sarki, a ward member of Dhangadhi–15, said the demands raised by the local residents are legitimate and emphasized the urgent need for embankment work along with the bridge. She said about 168 households, including 68 households from the Dalit and Chaudhary communities, reside in the area.

Ward Chairman Shukdev Rana of Ward No. 15 said that despite initiatives taken by various bodies, the plan to construct a concrete bridge has not yet been approved. He said some embankment work was carried out on the initiative of Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, but much remains to be done. “There are serious problems related to transportation and movement,” he said, adding that while he has been taking initiatives for the bridge’s construction, no concrete progress has been achieved so far. He urged election candidates to consider the sentiments of the people of Shantikatan.