BARA, May 3: Locals of Jitpur sub-metropolis in Bara district have been reluctant to clear the structures that lie along the path of Birgunj-Pathaliya road, which is being upgraded into a six-lane road. Due to the non-cooperation of the locals the road upgradation works have remained stalled.
Locals are reluctant to demolish their houses and other physical structures that fall inside the project area. Although the locals of other areas have willingly demolished the structures, locals of Jitpur have demanded compensation before the demolition. They have shown sign to budge from their stand.
According to the project officials, lack of cooperation from the locals has significantly contributed to the delay in the upgradation of the 26-kilometer road project, which stretches from Pathaliya of Bara to Sirsiya of Parsa. Due to the obstacles, the project officials have time and again held discussions with the reluctant locals with the support of Jitpur Simara sub-metropolis.
Birgunj-Pathlaiya road construction misses deadline
According to the sub-metorpolis chief Krishna Paudel, the project officials have expressed their inability to provide compensation as per the demand of the locals. “However, they are positive about providing compensation to the structures built before 1977. Despite the assurance, the locals are adamant that they would not evict until and unless they are given proper compensation,” he added.
Paudel also suggested that the government should heed to the demands of the locals and provide them proper compensation so as to solve the issue and make the much needed progress in the project.
Rabindra Lal Das, chief of the project, said none of the residents along Pathaliya, Simara, Nitanpur and other villages and market areas have demanded compensation for their properties.
“However, locals of Jitpur are adamant that compensation be provided for the eviction. Relief and compensation can be provided by the government to those families who become displaced by the project,” said Das.
The road section of Tribhuvan Highway is a link between Kathmandu and Raxual, from where the country imports about 70 percent of the country's goods.
