150 Chhaugoths demolished in Kanchanpur’s Krishnapur and Bedkot municipalities

Kanchanpur: A total of 150 Chhaugoths have been demolished in two municipalities of Kanchanpur as part of an ongoing campaign to eradicate the harmful practice.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohara of the District Police Office, 23 Chhaugoths were demolished in Bedkot Municipality and 127 in Krishnapur Municipality. The demolitions were carried out in coordination with police, women’s health volunteers, and local authorities.

The campaign was intensified following the death of 32-year-old Kamala Aujee of Krishnapur-1 Nigali, who was bitten by a snake while staying in a Chhaugoth in late Ashad. After the incident, the municipality issued a warning of a Rs 10,000 fine and legal action against those failing to dismantle the huts.

Krishnapur Mayor Hemraj Ojha said the campaign will continue despite some delays. “The campaign has only slowed down due to the adverse situation in the country,” he said. “We will resume demolition after Dashain and Tihar. Ending the inhumane practice of Chhaugoth remains our commitment.”

Ojha added that continuous awareness programs will be carried out in partnership with schools, women’s groups, civil society, and local governments to change deep-rooted social attitudes. “This is not just a legal issue, but a matter of transforming social thinking. We will continue to work to protect the lives and rights of women,” he said.

Although the District Administration Office has directed all nine municipalities in the district to dismantle Chhaugoths, only Krishnapur and Bedkot have launched campaigns so far. The practice, legally banned under Section 168 of the National Criminal Code 2074, remains widespread in rural areas due to entrenched social norms and superstitions. Offenders face up to three months in prison, a fine of Rs 3,000, or both.