Suspension bridge in Dhanusha becomes major tourist attraction

By Bijaya Kumar Sah,Dhalkebar, Jan. 20: The longest suspension bridge in Madhes Province on the Kamala River has become a major attraction for domestic and Indian tourists. This suspension bridge connects Kathal of Dhanusha and Malhania of Siraha. 

The 1,005-meter-long bridge came into operation a year ago. The bridge was built for the smooth movement of people and the bridge has now developed as a new tourist destination area, attracting several tourists. 

Tourists from Bihar of India and different parts of Nepal come here to enjoy climbing this bridge over the Kamala River. Tourists from within the country, as well as tourists arriving from Jayanagar, Madhubani, and Darbhanga India, have also made this area economically active.

According to local Binod Kumar Mandal, such kinds of bridges may not be new for the people of the hills, but it is new for the residents of Tarai. On the occasion of public holidays and festivals, huge crowds of people gather here. 

Civil Engineer Mandal, who has been contributing as a volunteer in the construction and maintenance of the bridge, said that the local level's activism is necessary to make this place more systematic. 

He suggested that an additional budget should be arranged in collaboration with the federal and provincial governments to make the tourism sector sustainable. 

Bipin Dev Yadav, Chairperson of Janaknandini Rural Municipality said that there was a plan to develop the Kathal area as a tourism area systematically with the operation of the bridge. The work of blacktopping the road to reach the bridge has already started.

According to Yadav, the upcoming plan should incorporate necessary infrastructure for tourists such as picnic spots, promotion of greenery and accommodation.