Despite being declared a disaster-hit area, the residents are angry that the necessary budget and process for the reconstruction of roads, bridges, and dams has not progressed.
Citizens of Ilam, who were affected by floods and landslides during the rains of October 5-6, have blocked the Mechi Highway to protest the federal government.
Locals in Ilam, which was declared a disaster-hit area after floods and landslides, have protested, saying that the local levels have not taken the necessary steps along with proper budget management to repair the damaged roads and bridge culverts.
On the recommendation of the Disaster Management Authority, the government had declared five municipalities including Ilam, Sandakpur, Deumai and Suryodaya as disaster-hit areas.
From 11 am to 12 pm, a program was organized by placing chairs on the road at the entrance point (zero point) of Ilam, the headquarters of Ilam, and the road was closed. After the road was closed, vehicles and transport vehicles coming and going from Panchthar and Taplejung to Jhapa and from Jhapa to Ilam via Panchthar and Taplejung were stopped.
Deputy Mayor of Ilam Municipality Bishnu Limbu (Dahal) and other public representatives participated in the protest program.
Naresh Shrestha, Ward Chairman of Ilam 7, said that a letter of attention has been sent to the government, giving it a three-day deadline to repair alternative roads, including the Mechi Highway, which was the lifeline of the hilly districts of the former Mechi zone.
The government has not addressed the demands of the citizens of the district within 3 days, but has made public programs including a general strike and boycotting the Falgun 21 election, said Ishwor Chipalu, Coordinator of Sachet Elameli Nagarik.
