Bimal Bahadur Bista

Doti, Dec 27 : The district administration office has issued order to remove chhaugoth – a shed to seclude girls and women during menstruation – in the district.    
Asserting that action would be taken against those keeping women at sheds during menstruation, the administration office has directed for the removal of such structures.    
A district-wide campaign has been put in place to dismantle the chhau sheds used for dehumanizing women during the period.    
Acting on a tip off the administration has requested all local levels to cooperate the bid for removing sheds in rural areas. Though there are no chhau sheds at district headquarters, Silgadhi, the structures are still in existence in rural settings of the district.    
The police administration has also started collecting data about chhau sheds in rural area of Doti. Due to the prevalence of such malpractice, at least 12 women have so far lost their lives in the far-western region of Nepal.    
The incidents of women being raped while languished in the sheds are increasing. However, no concrete efforts are being taken from the sides concerned to prevent such dreadful incidents, locals said.    
Chetraj Bhatta, a local of Kisingh rural municipality, said chhaupadi practice is still highly prevailing in rural areas in Doti due to superstitious beliefs.    
"People have deep rooted belief that the god may be furious when chhausheds are removed from the area", he added.    
In line with the directive of Home Ministry, the district administration office took stern measures to demolish chhau sheds in Doti. RSS