Century-old suspension bridge over the Bheri awaiting restoration

By Bashudev Sharma,Jajarkot, Mar. 26: A suspension bridge connecting Jajarkot and Rukum West (Chaurjahari) is in need of conservation.

The bridge, which was built over the Bheri River in Matela, Bheri Municipality-11, about 100 years ago, has been in a dilapidated condition due to a lack of maintenance.

The suspension bridge was once a tourist destination and served as a major crossing point until two decades ago. Most people from Barekot Rural Municipality, Nalgad Municipality, Sanibheri Rural Municipality, and Dolpa District used the bridge for commuting until about 10 years ago.

People from districts such as Rukum, Salyan, Dang, Nepalgunj, and Surkhet also used the bridge. However, the local government, which has the authority to develop and promote tourism at the local level, has neglected its conservation. Areas with tourism potential have also largely been overlooked.

The bridge was in use to transport local produce by horses, mules and sheep.Janak KC, Chairman of the Jajarkot Heritage Conservation Academy, said that the suspension bridge over the Bheri River in Matela, considered one of the strongest in Nepal was built by Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher. 

The bridge was constructed after Bal Kumari Shah, the daughter of the Jajarkot king, declared in 19827 that she would not go to her mother's place unless a bridge was built. He added that the lack of protection by concerned authorities has now become a major issue.

The bridge was also targeted by the Maoist rebels during the decade-long conflict period, which weakened it after several planks were damaged. At that time, the District Development Committee had allocated a budget for annual repairs, including painting and replacing nuts and bolts. However, after the introduction of federalism, the local government has not allocated sufficient funds for its maintenance, and the bridge has deteriorated further.

Previously, the District Development Committee maintained the bridge using revenue collected from people and livestock such as horses, mules, sheep, cows and buffaloes crossing it. Currently, more than 60 to 70 motorcycles cross the bridge daily despite its poor condition and lack of repairs.

As the government has not paid attention to repairing this historic bridge, people are forced to cross it at their own risk.

Bishnu Giri of Bheri Municipality-11 said that what was once considered one of Nepal’s strongest bridges has been neglected by the government. He added that the local level, which is responsible for heritage conservation, has shown little interest in its protection.

According to him, despite being in use for years, the bridge has not been repaired by stakeholders, and locals have had to make temporary fixes by tying wooden planks to make crossing easier.

Residents of Barekot Rural Municipality, Nalgad Municipality, and neighbouring districts such as Dolpa and Rukum West once relied on this bridge to reach the market to buy salt. 

Matela Bazaar, which was bustling a few years ago, has also now become deserted. Locals have been urging the local government to install signage and take steps to increase the area’s appeal as a tourist destination.