Sunsari. The eastern part of the suspension bridge connecting Yayokha Tole of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-14 and Kirat Basti of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-4 has been damaged due to flooding in Seuti Rivulet along with incessant rain.

Constructed in 2057/58 BS at a cost of Rs 5 million, the bridge is considered very important for daily commuting with Dharan Bazaar. Rajan Chamling, a ward member of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-4, said that the eastern structure of the bridge was damaged due to flooding in the rivulet following incessant rainfall on August 28, 29 and 30.

Koshi State Assembly member Ramesh Basnet, Nepal Communist Party (UML) Koshi province member Rajendra Rai, Nepal Transport Independent Workers’ Association’s central president Bhimjwala Rai, among others, inspected the bridge. Ward member Chamling said the concerned bodies have been urged to repair the bridge immediately and ensure safe movement.

According to him, if the embankment with wire mesh had been constructed during the flood, the bridge could have been prevented from being damaged. Efforts are being made to save the bridge by building necessary protective infrastructure immediately. “We have already requested the District Administration Office for this,” he said. At present, necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the damage to the bridge and priority has been given to risk mitigation measures, he said.