Ward Member launches hunger strike against ward Chair in Melauli-9 over road construction dispute
Baitadi: Ward members have launched a hunger strike against the ward chair of Melauli Municipality-9 in Baitadi. Ward member Janakraj Bhatta has begun the hunger strike, accusing Ward Chair Lokraj Bhatta and others of obstructing work on an under-construction road connecting the municipality to Ward No. 9. Former ward member Bhimdev Bhatta is also participating in the protest.
According to former ward member Bhimdev Bhatta, the hunger strike was initiated after obstruction of the road connecting Ward No. 9 office and the health post via Tinjorna-Haradakhan, which is being constructed by the Road Division Office Patan and Bishalpur. Both protesters have been staging the hunger strike near the main gate of Melauli Municipality with banners displayed.
Ward member Janakraj Bhatta said the hunger strike began after informing the municipality in writing about the road-related issues on Monday. He stated that he would not end the protest until the obstruction to road construction is removed. “We have started a hunger strike without even drinking water. The municipality and local administration should take initiative to resolve the problem,” he said, warning of a stronger protest if the issue is not addressed within three days.
Meanwhile, Ward Chair Lokraj Bhatta stated that there has been opposition from the Forest Users Committee and local residents, as road widening could increase the risk of landslides and threaten settlements. He said the dispute escalated when the Road Division Office attempted to limit work to 3 kilometers, whereas the 7-kilometer road to the ward office was meant to be upgraded. He added that the decision to halt construction without an environmental study report was made by the community forest, not by him, citing environmental risks.
Ward Chair Bhatta argued that the dispute could be resolved if the 7-kilometer road upgrade is completed in coordination with all stakeholders. It is reported that more than half of the work on the road, which is being upgraded at a cost of around 30 million rupees, has already been completed.
Dineshkhabar Desk