Locals have constructed a wooden bridge over Mahakali river that connects Nepal to India at Dumling in Byas Rural Municipality-2, Darchula.

In the past, locals risked their lives and used tuin—a wire crossing— to cross the Mahakali river.

Dhiran Singh Budhathoki, ward chairman of Byas-2, said the bridge was constructed with a cost of Rs 85,000. “Ward office provided Rs 50,000 while locals collected Rs 35,000 for the construction of the bridge,” he said.

Central governments of Nepal and India has allowed Nepali and Indian authorities to build two temporary wooden bridges over Mahakali river. Within the first week of November 2018, Indian authorities constructed bridges in Tampaku and Thiyekobhir.

However, Nepal has built only one bridge in Dumling so far. The local authorities have been searching for an appropriate place to construct another bridge, but they have been unable to choose a place till date.

Local residents have demanded that the authorities build a bridge around Mal area. But Ward Chairman Budhathoki said it’s difficult to construct a bridge in the area because of its geographical remoteness.

“We are planning to install a wire crossing at Mal,” he said.