Sarkegad locals forced to cross Karnali River by Tuin

By Our Correspondent 

Humla, June 1 : Residents of Sarkegad Rural Municipality 2 and 3 in the mid-region of Humla district are still compelled to cross the Karnali River using a Tuin (rope crossing), as no alternative bridge has been restored so far.

Locals have been relying on the risky river crossing after a wooden bridge built over the Karnali River a year ago was swept away during floods in July last year, with no replacement structure constructed since then.

Local resident of Rip village, Janak Phadera, said that people have been continuously using the Tuin built at Khadikhet of Sarkegad Rural Municipality-6 for the past year. 

He said the earlier wooden bridge was built collectively by locals, but it was washed away when the river’s water level rose during the monsoon.

Although there is an old suspension bridge at Syaltadi Chhare, it is located at a considerable distance, forcing residents of Rip village to rely on the Tuin for daily movement. While a few young people cross the river alone, most villagers require assistance to operate the rope crossing.

Locals say the river flow has increased recently, making the crossing even more dangerous. The Tuin site is located around 40 metres above the Karnali Corridor road, which many residents use for easier access to transportation.

The crossing is used not only by villagers but also by Ward Chair Siddha Karki, who reportedly uses it while travelling to the rural municipality office. Rip village consists of only three households, all of whom depend on the Tuin for daily mobility.

The 60-metre-long rope crossing is also described as difficult to operate, requiring significant physical effort from those who help others cross.

Ward Chair Mahatara has expressed frustration that repeated requests for a permanent bridge or suspension bridge to the rural municipality and the federal government have not been addressed.