Flood in Melamchi, threatens to sweep away Chanaute bailey bridge

KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has caused the Melamchi River to flood, posing a threat to the bailey bridge in Chanaute Bazaar, located in Helambu Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk.

The floodwaters are eroding the land around the bridge.

The bailey bridge was constructed after the Melamchi River’s flood, which occurred on Shrawan 17, 2078 (1 Aug 2021), swept away the vital Rato Bridge in Helambu.

The bailey came into operation seven months after the Rato Bridge was destroyed.

Efforts are now underway to protect the suspension bridge, according to Nima Gyaljen Sherpa, the chairperson of Helambu Rural Municipality.

This bridge is crucial not only for Helambu but also for the residents of wards 7 and 8 of Melamchi Municipality and wards 1 and 2 of Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, facilitating their daily commute.

Local resident Shyam Lamichhane stated that the settlement and school in Helambu-4 are also at risk from the flooding.