Siraha. The construction of the bridge on the Kamala River, which started in 2068 BS, is still incomplete. The people of Siraha and Dhanusha are most affected during the rainy season as the bridge, which was supposed to be completed in three years, has not been completed even in 14 years. Their only support has become a boat.

Basudev Yadav of Siraha Municipality-5 goes across the river every day to feed cattle. He has a daily routine of crossing the Deraidrai river with every rain. “When the water rises, I am afraid to take a boat, but there is no alternative,” he said.

Usually, small wooden bridges were used except during the rainy season. However, boats are now the only option after the floods triggered by the monsoon washed away the wooden bridge. Passengers using postal roads to cross the river have to pay Rs 100 per motorcycle and Rs 50 per person for boat use.

The lack of a permanent bridge in Kamala has had a direct impact on health services. Patients referred to Janakpur from Siraha Hospital have to go through a circuitous route. According to Dr Sunil Prasad Kushwaha, medical superintendent of the provincial hospital, the patients living in Dhanusha on the other side of the river border have to go to Janakpur even if they are close to them. There is a possibility of death on the way due to delayed transportation of serious patients through the river. ’

Indrajit Yadav, ward chair of Siraha municipality-6, said pedestrians have to cross the river using bamboo poles or boats in the absence of a bridge.