Kanchanpur, Aug 13: A total of 39 menstrual huts have been demolished recently in Kanchanpur district.
According to the District Police Office, Bedkot Municipality–10 dismantled 23 huts, while Krishnapur Municipality–1 removed 16. These huts were traditionally used to isolate girls and women during menstruation.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohara said the demolitions were carried out in the presence of local representatives, social organizations, police, and community members. Nigali and Bhenti Bazaar recorded the highest number of removals.
The crackdown follows the death of 28-year-old Kamala Auji, who died of a snakebite last month while staying in a menstrual hut in Nagal, Krishnapur Municipality–1. In response, the District Administration Office directed all local levels to eliminate such huts, which stem from the superstitious belief that menstruating women living with their families is a disrespect to God.
Bedkot–10 ward chair Ratan Singh Bista confirmed the demolition of 23 huts in his area but noted a challenge: “We dismantle the menstrual huts, but households rebuild them.” He said plans are underway to provide orientation programs to families on the dangers of this practice.
Advocates stress the need for large-scale public awareness campaigns to end harmful customs such as chhau—the isolation and untouchability imposed on menstruating women through their confinement in chhaugoth huts.
Krishnapur–1 ward chair Mohan Basnet said his community is relatively more aware and has previously demolished 16 such huts. #menstrual #nepal rss
