NEPALGUNJ: Boats plying on Karnali River are in deplorable condition, putting the lives of travellers at risk. The lack of a bridge over the river at Kothiyaghat has forced more than 200,000 villagers of 11 VDCs in Rajapur area to cross the river in boats. These boats provided by the District Development Committee are very old, and often their engines die suddenly in the middle of the river, said Bishnu Rijal, a contractor who operates boats on the river. Passengers said the administration has taken no step to better the boat service. They also accused the contractor of collecting 50 percent overhead on the agreed fare.