Under construction: Representatives of the villagers of Kavre’s VDCs of Bolde Phediche, Birta Deurauli, Katike Deurali and Saramthali have requested a survey of the Sun Kosi for a TarPul at a site designated “Maluwabesi.” Balaram Baral, EcoSystems’ senior overseer, conducted this survey.

Maluwabesi (“B”) is on the Sun Kosi River between Birta Deurali and Bolde Phechhe VDCs. The proposed bridge will enable access between many villages and the only healthcare centre at Bolde (“C”). At present, it takes at least 4 hours walking to get to Bolde Health Centre, from Pachuwar village. Occasionally this journey is not even possible during the monsoon season, as the village lies between parallel side streams that join the Sun Kosi river, blocking the only route to the nearest suspension bridge (“A”). The only road from the suspension bridge to the health care centre is a ‘green road’, which is usable only during the dry season.

With the proposed 100 meter TarPul at Malwuwebesi this journey will take only one hour and access to healthcare will be available all year round.
A sketch of the crossing is attached. The carriage will require 32 wheels (16 trolleys). The expected freeboard (clearance) above the approximate high flood level will be five meters, which is the usual allowance. This is not expected to present problems at this site. Both sides of the river are mixed soil and rock deposits from the upper slopes. Soil anchors will be used. Technically this is a satisfactory TarPul site, considering the profile and elevation of the banks. No direct evidence of landslide was observed. No soil subsidence is anticipated, and the maintenance required, if any, should be minor.