Authorities limit number of people crossing bridge at Devghat

By Amar Raj Naharki,Tanahun, Feb. 6: Movement across the suspension bridge over the Trishuli River, connecting Devghat Rural Municipality in Tanahun and Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan, has been controlled due to overcrowding.

The ongoing Devghat Mahamahotsav has led to a surge in devotees, increasing the risk on the bridge. To ensure safety, local authorities have restricted the number of people crossing at a time to a maximum of 100. Police personnel have been deployed on both ends of the bridge for crowd control.

The District Administration Office issued a notice stating that the 43-year-old suspension bridge has become risky due to the excessive crowd, necessitating the restriction. Motorcycle movement has been completely banned.

The Suspension Bridge Division, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, had earlier sent a letter to the District Administration Office, urging them to enforce strict safety measures on the bridge.

Due to the absence of a motorable bridge in the area, devotees are compelled to use the suspension bridge. 

Til Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Devghat Rural Municipality, stated that despite repeated demands, the federal and provincial governments have not taken necessary steps to address the issue.