While the country is marking International Workers’ Day on May 1, Sitaram Chepang of Jogimara in the district is rather concerned about feeding his family.

Sitaram, who works at a limestone industry at Jhumlichowk in Gorkha, is forced to cross the Trisuli river using a twine, risking his life. He uses the twine to cross the river at least four times a day. Twenty-five other workers are in the similar situation.

“Drinking water is not available here. So we need to cross the river using the twine to drink water,” said Subash Chepang, a worker at the industry, of Jogimara VDC-6.

Sitaram said they are forced to use the twine as there is not a bridge nearby. “If we fail to balance our bodies, we fall into the river,” he said, adding that some labourers have also sustained injuries while crossing the river.

Besides, the labourers have to work under constant fear of being crushed by stones. “It is normal to sustain minor injuries while working. But our fear is being crushed by stones,” said Bishnu Chepang.

A labourer was killed after he slipped a local cliff some years ago. The workers extract limestone through blasting and the stones are sold to the Hetauda Cement Industry. Each of the workers earns Rs 450 a day.

Hari Lama, a truck driver who came to the site to upload limestone, said the industry has provided job opportunities to the workers. “However, they are forced to work, risking their lives,” he said.

Published on: 01 May 2014 | The Kathmandu Post