India-Nepal agrees to open Dharchula Bridge to perform last rites of centenarian woman

Dharchula Bridge was opened under emergency services to perform the last rights of Pangasya Devi in Nepal who died at the age of 100. Right from March, the bridge which connects India and Nepal has been closed following coronavirus lockdown.

Pithoragarh:Ever since the coronavirus induced lockdown has been imposed across the nation, the Dharchula Bridge in Uttrakhand's Pithoragarh which connects India to Nepal has been closed. But following the death of 100-year-old Pangasya Devi in Nepal, the bridge was again opened on Wednesday to perform her last rights.

The swing was opened at 3 pm. Around 52 people of Dharchula returned to India at 5:30 pm after attending the funeral.

As many as 27 people from India went to Nepal and 30 people from Nepal came to India. People on both sides exchanged ration and other basic items to their relatives.

Pangasya Devi (100) was a resident of Bangabagad in Nepal and her granddaughter Prema Devi from Pangu had sought permission from Indian and Nepalese administration to perform her last rites.

The permission of opening Dharchula Bridge was granted by both the countries under emergency services and it was opened under the supervision of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

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