Chumnubri Rural Municipality has asked residents and travelers not to take mules, horses, and other livestock across a newly constructed wooden bridge in Ward No. 4, citing safety concerns related to the bridge’s width, structure, and the flow of the Syurang Khola. The municipality issued the notice after an earlier suspension bridge was affected by flooding, prompting the construction of an alternative route and wooden bridge to maintain local access. The temporary arrangement was introduced to help people continue their daily movement while safer and more permanent improvements are considered.
The newly built structure was intended mainly to support pedestrian movement and provide an alternative route after the previous crossing became difficult to use. The municipality has warned that regular movement of livestock, particularly animals carrying goods, could place additional pressure on the bridge and create safety risks for both the animals and people using the crossing. The restriction is therefore aimed at preventing accidents and protecting the newly constructed structure from excessive weight and movement.
Alternative Bridge Built To Maintain Local Access
The alternative route and wooden bridge were constructed through the involvement of the Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Ward Office, Manaslu Conservation Area Project, and residents. According to the municipal notice, the bridge was built using green timber within a short period to help maintain movement in the area after the existing route was disrupted. The construction provided residents with an immediate crossing point and helped reduce difficulties caused by the damaged route.
However, the municipality said the new structure is not sufficiently wide or strong for the regular movement of loaded mules and horses. The bridge’s considerable length and limited width could make it difficult for livestock carrying goods to cross safely, while the additional load could also affect the structure. Since mules and horses are commonly used to transport goods in areas with difficult road access, the municipality has emphasized the need to use the new crossing within its current capacity.
Narrow Bridge And River Flow Raise Safety Risks
The municipality cited the bridge’s limited width and structural condition as major reasons for restricting livestock movement. There is also a risk that animals could lose their footing and fall into the river, particularly because the waterway has a strong flow. The municipality said the location is not currently suitable for constructing another stronger wooden bridge, adding to the need for caution until the crossing can be improved.
The Ward No. 4 Office had informed the municipality about the situation and requested measures to prevent mules, horses and other livestock from using the crossing. The restriction has been introduced as a safety precaution while the municipality works toward improving the route and making the crossing more suitable for local needs. Residents and travelers have been urged to cooperate with the measure so that the alternative pedestrian route can continue to be used safely.
Rainy Season Delays Permanent Improvements
The municipality said the rainy season and road conditions are making it difficult to transport construction materials needed for a permanent solution. These conditions have limited the ability to carry out larger construction work immediately, meaning further improvements to the existing wooden bridge will require additional time. The difficult conditions have also made it challenging to bring the necessary materials to the area for more extensive construction.
Plans are therefore focused on gradually strengthening and widening the structure so it can provide safer access in the future. Until such improvements are completed, the municipality has urged residents and travelers to follow the restriction and avoid placing unnecessary weight on the bridge. The temporary measure is intended to protect the bridge from damage while allowing people to continue using the crossing for the purpose for which it was constructed.
Municipality Working On Safer Route
Chumnubri Rural Municipality said it is coordinating with concerned government agencies and local stakeholders to improve and strengthen the crossing. The effort is aimed at making the route safer and more convenient for people who depend on it for regular movement. Further improvements are expected to be carried out as conditions allow and as the necessary construction materials can be transported to the area.
The notice issued by Chief Administrative Officer Manoj Lamichhane asks residents and travelers to cooperate with the temporary restriction. Until a stronger arrangement is available, the municipality has emphasized that the newly constructed bridge should be used according to its current capacity, with pedestrian safety given priority. Following the restriction will also help protect the structure and maintain the alternative route for residents during the period when permanent improvements remain difficult to carry out.
