Dhankuta, May 1 -- Suspension bridges were once lifelines for mountain communities. Whether crossing turbulent monsoon streams or year-round rivers, these swaying structures provided a safe and dependable crossing for travellers.

For schoolchildren, families rushing the sick to health posts, and locals heading to markets for daily needs, these bridges did more than shorten journeys. They made daily life possible.

Today, many of these bridges in Dhankuta, which once connected neighbouring settlements, are falling into disuse. The suspension bridge over the Tankhuwa Khola, linking Khaniyabas in ward 5 of Dhankuta Municipality with Banchare Puchhar in ward 3 of Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality, reflects this shift.

At its peak, the bri...