The Ditible
Three women working on a new drainage project in Kawasoti, East Nawalparasi, lost their lives on Thursday after being buried by a mudslide. The deaths sparked outrage and protests in the community.
Around 200 locals gathered outside the Kawasoti Municipality building, chanting slogans and throwing stones. The protest resulted in damage to the building’s windows.
The victims, Seti Rana, Tanmaya Gaha, and Chameli Sinjali, all from Kawasoti Municipality Ward 5, were reportedly working on the project when the collapse occurred. Their bodies have been transported to Madhyabindu Hospital.
Thursday night saw residents protesting outside Mayor Bishnu Prasad Bhushal’s residence. They expressed anger over the timing of the construction project (during monsoon season) and alleged negligence on the part of the municipality regarding safety measures and proper worksite monitoring.
In response to the tragedy, Kawasoti Municipality held an emergency executive committee meeting on Friday. The committee declared a day of mourning for the deceased women and pledged to offer fair compensation to their families.
The construction project involved sewage disposal and began in mid-May following an agreement between the municipality and a consumer committee. The work was underway on the eastern side of Kawasoti, stretching from Thana Chowk.
