Bhaktapur, January 25:

Following the death of Shova Khatri, 32, who killed self by jumping in Muhan Pokhari on 8th January, the Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC), Bhaktapur branch office have constructed fence and gate on the existing wall to prevent suicidal attempt in the pool area. The fence and gate were constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 100,000.

“The four line iron fencing and eight feet long Iron Gate have been constructed as per the suggestion of the locals and the NWSC,” said Chandra Kanta Marahatta, chief of the Bhaktapur Branch Office, NWSC.

He said, “We are planning to construct a 15 feet high iron fencing outside the existing boundary and 50 meter long net-fence above the pool to prevent anyone from jumping.” According to Laxman Giri, a local guard, three cases of suicide has been reported in last four years. However, the locals claimed that the number may goes upto more than 30.

The Bhaktapur Branch office of the NWSC has been continuously requesting for the budget with its central office but the office is not serious about such issues. “Due to the lack of budget we have not been able to proceed many constructive works,” said Marahatta adding, “We are helpless in absence of budget from the central office.”

Water from Muhan Pokhari is supplied to Water Treatment Center at Bansbari, Bhaktapur for oxidization and purification through natural process. Then it is supplied to 8000 taps in Bhaktapur.

“The pool dates back to the regime of Chandra Shamsher and has already witnessed three cases of suicide,” said Laxman Giri, a guard deployed at the pool. Giri added that trespassers and chaotic people often visit pond and it is risky to keep an eye around the clock on everyone. “People had easy access to the pond but now it is impossible for public to enter inside the pool.” There are four guards deployed at the pool. Muhan Pokhari is between Nagarkot and Bageshwori in Bhaktapur district and collects water from Mahadev Khola.