May 24, Kathmandu- The issue of drying grains on busy roads has once again come to the forefront after a tragic incident and subsequent protests in Rangeli Municipality. The municipality has decided to permit drying of grains on 20 percent of the East-West Postal Highway, amid mounting tensions and demands from local residents.

The controversy was sparked after a 13-year-old girl lost her life in Nichamari village on Monday when she was hit by a vehicle while drying grains on the road. The incident has highlighted the dangers associated with haphazard grain drying practices that obstruct traffic and pose safety risks.

Following the accident, Rangeli Municipality had issued a notice banning the drying of grains on roads and streetside areas. Municipal police recently confiscated some grains drying on the street during patrols. However, the ban faced strong opposition from local residents and farmers, who argued that drying grains is essential and cannot be halted altogether.

The situation escalated when, in the wake of the girl’s death, a passenger bus was vandalized by frustrated locals. The victim’s family and community members expressed outrage over the incident and the municipality’s restrictions, which they felt hindered their livelihoods and safety.

In response to mounting protests and demands, Rangeli Municipality held a meeting on Thursday, where an agreement was reached to allow grain drying on a limited scale. The decision permits drying on up to 20 percent of the roads along the East-West Postal Highway, with the rest remaining free for traffic.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Deputy Mayor Jhumakumari Parajuli, Administrative Officer Pradeep Shah, local political leaders including Nepali Congress’ Jagarnath Mandal, UML Chairman Ramchimoriya, CPN-Unified Socialist’s Prahlad Kumar Khatiwada, farmer representative Laxman Sah, and Rangeli police officials.

Municipal officials emphasized that the measure aims to balance safety concerns with the needs of local farmers, and authorities will continue monitoring the situation to prevent further accidents.

In the all-party and all-sectoral discussions, it has been said that due to the lack of space for farmers to dry and store grains, 20 percent of the roads in the East-West Postal Highway and North-South Kanepokhari Rangeli road areas within the municipality will be covered and rice, corn and other grain crops will be allowed to dry. It has been said that people outside the municipality will not be allowed to dry any food grains.