Devotees in danger as Devghat bridge in sorry state

CHITWAN, Aug 12: With the poles supporting the suspension bridge at Devghat in Chitwan partially damaged, devotees attending the Shrawan Mela have been crossing the bridge in terror. Although basic repair of the bridge was carried out, the bridge is in a precarious state.



“I didn´t know that the bridge is in a wretched condition. However, the locals told me that the bridge with its poles partially damaged could give way anytime. This has frightened me,” said Sharada Dharal, a devotee from Rupandehi.[break]



A large number of devotees are expected to attend the last day of Shrawan Mela on Monday. “Devghat Area Development Committee shouldn´t just have carried out minor repair when the bridge is in such a precarious state,” said Ramakant Dhakal of Bharatpur. “Many people might get killed on Monday as a number of devotees will be crossing the bridge at the same time.”



According to an official at Devghat Area Development Committee, the number of devotees attending the Mela has increased compared to last year.

The bridge was repaired in January. However, the pole supporting the bridge wasn´t replaced.



According to Khim Lal Bhandari, chairman of the committee, the committee has asked the government to replace the entire bridge with a new one.

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