Chhaupadi claims another life in Sudurpaschim

By Abinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, July 14: Once again, Chhaupadi, a social evil, which forces menstruating women to stay in isolated huts, has taken the life of a woman in Sudurpaschim Province.

Despite legal bans and awareness campaigns, this dangerous and deeply rooted belief still puts women’s lives at risk.

Kamala Aauji Damai, 28, from Krishnapur Municipality–1 in Kanchanpur, died after being bitten by a poisonous snake while sleeping in a chhaugoth during her period. 

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohora confirmed she was bitten by a snake on Friday night. She was taken to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi, but she died during treatment on Saturday evening.

Kamala leaves behind three sons, aged 15, 9, and 6. Her husband works 

in India. Although Chhaupadi has been declared illegal, it is still practiced in many areas of Sudurpaschim, both in the hills and plains. In the past, women have died in sheds from snakebites, cold, or lack of oxygen.

Between 2008 and 2018, 13 women died in the Achham district alone because of this practice. Similar deaths were reported from Bajura. Nepal’s 2018 Criminal Code bans Chhaupadi, and over 1,500 huts were demolished in 2019. But due to weak enforcement and strong cultural beliefs, many women are still forced to follow it.

Krishnapur had previously run a campaign to demolish the sheds. “We ran an awareness campaign and demolished huts,” said Ward Chair Mohan Bahadur Basnet, “but some people ignored it and continued the practice.” He warned that Chhaupadi huts are dangerous not only because of snakes but also other risks.

Ward No.1 has the highest number of Chhaupadi cases in Krishnapur. Executive member Aarati Kumari Dhami Bohora said, “Last year, we demolished many huts starting from Ward No.1, but people don’t listen. Other wards have fewer problems, but Ward No.1 is still a concern.” The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called the deaths due to Chhaupadi alarming and urged all levels of government to raise more awareness. NHRC spokesperson Mandira Shrestha said the commission is taking the issue seriously.

After Kamala’s death, Krishnapur Municipality has ordered all Chhaupadi huts in Ward Nos. 1 to 9 to be removed within 15 days. All ward offices have been told to inspect and demolish the huts. Those who don’t follow the order could face a Rs. 10,000 fine and legal action.

“This is a public notice. Anyone who fails to dismantle Chhaupadi huts in time will face strict action,” said Chief Administrative Officer Khagendra Prasad Bhatta.