Chhaugoths to Be Removed After Woman’s Death in Kanchanpur, Says DAO

Kathmandu, July 14 – The District Administration Office (DAO) in Kanchanpur has asked all nine local governments in the district to start a special campaign to tear down Chhaugoths — small huts where menstruating women and girls are forced to stay, following the harmful Chhaupadi tradition.

This action comes after the recent death of 28-year-old Kamala Damai from Nigali, Krishnapur Municipality Ward No. 1, who was bitten by a snake while staying in a Chhaugoth during her period. She died last Saturday.

Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal said the Chhau tradition is still common and dangerous. "A woman has died because of this harmful practice. It's urgent that we launch a campaign to destroy these huts," he said. All local bodies in the district have been told to take quick action.

Following Kamala’s death, Krishnapur Municipality ordered all Chhaugoths in its area to be demolished within 15 days. The municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer, Khagendra Prasad Bhatta, said ward offices must find, inspect, and destroy the huts. Anyone who refuses to follow this order will be fined Rs 10,000.

However, local officials admit that ending this deeply rooted custom is not easy. Mohan Bahadur Basnet, chairperson of Ward No. 1, said his office has been working to remove Chhaugoths for the past two years, but with limited success.

"We have faced insults and resistance while tearing them down. Sadly, people rebuild them as soon as we leave," he said. Many women still believe that staying with family during their period brings bad luck or angers gods, he explained. There are still more than 200 Chhaugoths in his ward alone.

Although the government officially banned the Chhaupadi practice in 2017, it remains widespread and continues to put the health and lives of women and girls at serious risk.

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