There are only six bridges over entire length of the river starting from Lipulek at Kalapani in Darchula district up to Mahendranagar in Kanchanpur district. The Mahakali River marks the western border with India.
The existing six bridges over the Mahakali River are also at a gap of some 50 to 80 kilometres.
In Darchula district alone, 24 people have lost their lives over the past one year while crossing the river. Among the casualties are mostly women and children.
Similarly, the number of people drowned or swept away by the river is also almost similar in Baitadi and Dadeldhura districts as well.
In Baitadi, more than 34 people died last year while crossing the river. Although the District Police does not have the exact figures, it says based on the available information more than three dozen people have lost their lives while crossing the river.
People of the hilly districts bordering India depend on the Indian market for most of their necessities and so they have to regularly travel to the nearby Indian towns by crossing the Mahakali River.
Since Mahakali is a border river, India´s permission is required for constructing bridges over the river.
Nepali Congress Baitadi district president Narendra Bista says the government should take the initiatives for constructing bridges over the Mahakali River at major transit points through diplomatic channels.
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