The local government of Tila Rural Municipality in Jumla has prepared and unveiled a copper plaque (tamrapatra) listing the names of individuals who voluntarily contributed labour to construct an irrigation canal without any financial compensation to honour community spirit and hard work.

The 6-kilometre-long Buhar-Jharakhet irrigation canal, located in Ward No. 4 of Tila Rural Municipality, was successfully completed through community effort and now irrigates farmland in several villages known for producing Marsi rice. In recognition of this collective achievement, the rural municipality listed the names of contributors on a copper plaque. It was unveiled by Vice Chair Gorikala Budha.

The honoured individuals are from villages such as Sapulli, Rawatwada, and Nuwakot, and provided free labour to dig the canal, ensuring irrigation for key areas including Bhandari Jyulo, Simkhet, Bungar, and Jharakhet. Among them were lead contributor Bir Bahadur Singh of Sapulli and assistant leader Khammnath Yogi of Rawatwada, along with nearly five dozen other volunteers.

According to historical records included on the plaque, the canal construction first began in 1915, reaching up to Bungar cliff. Later, residents like Motilal Nath Yogi attempted further development, but the project was stalled due to difficulties in breaking through the cliff at Nabhi Danda.

Almost 100 years later, under the leadership of former VDC Chairman Chakra Bahadur Shahi and with the support of Bhakta Bahadur Chaulagain and others, efforts resumed. Led again by Bir Bahadur Singh, the canal was eventually completed through voluntary labour from 1996 to 2006.

The copper plaque estimates that the total value of labour contributions over the decade amounted to approximately Rs. 50.46 million. Vice Chairman Budha emphasised the importance of documenting such historic achievements. She said, “Today, development rarely moves forward without money. But in the past, our elders built infrastructure worth millions with bare hands and commitment.” She expressed gratitude to Bir Bahadur Singh and his team, especially for breaking through the formidable cliff of Nabhi Danda.

Many of the individuals involved have since passed away, but the rural municipality has permanently recorded their names as a tribute. Their families were also honoured with traditional Nepali ‘dhaka topi’ as a token of respect. Speaking at the event, 75-year-old farmer and lead contributor Bir Bahadur Singh said, “Thank you for remembering our hard work. I still recall how my son Dhir Bahadur narrowly escaped falling into the river while digging near Nabhi Danda.” He called for continued government support for modernising the canal.

Chief Administrative Officer Janaki Hitan said such examples highlight how past generations contributed selflessly and urged present-day development efforts to prioritise voluntary labour. Former VDC Chair Shahi added that today's youth must also embrace such community-driven efforts.

Ward Chairman Bhadrabir Sarki praised the ancestors’ dedication and emphasised the importance of honouring such legacy. A formal committee has now been formed to oversee the maintenance and further development of the Bungar-Nabhi Danda-Jharakhet irrigation canal, he added.

By Netra Shahi