Dalvir Singh Kami, who built a dozen bridges
Dailekh : There is a history of Karnali, Dalbir Singh Kami. Who studied up to 3rd class. But, with his knowledge and skill, he became like an engineer in the construction of suspension bridges. Appreciating his ability, he was given the job of sub-overseer in the district panchayat. The same histories are often anonymous. Her death has been a mystery for 48 years.
He was born in 1978 BS at Gurans-4 Ratikhola in Dailekh. He used to make iron goods. Later, Surkhet fell with his father. Aaron ran in Surkhet. He was observing the suffering of the villagers when there was no bridge over the Bheri River. That is why the construction of the suspension bridge started in 2019 BS. Not because he is rich, but because he needs a bridge in Bheri.
He prepared building materials using his skills. Which contained long iron chains, short wires and other materials. The villagers helped in that. Small planks were placed to walk on the bridge. The wires were tied tightly from left to right. And the suspension bridge was ready.
He said that the first bridge was built at Ranighat in Surkhet. At the beginning of the year 2020, about 435 feet long suspension was built on the Bheri river in Uttarganga of Surkhet. Photographer Sunil Ulak has collected the history of building a bridge at Ramghat in Surkhet. After that, the ‘madness’ of building a bridge over Dalvir went up. A bridge was also built over the Chingad river. While building bridges in some places, the locals supported and encouraged them. After the completion of the bridge, it became easy for the citizens to move around a lot.
Dalbir Singh Kami going to inspect the bridge.
According to Ulak, Dalbir was discovered while searching for the history of bridges built in different parts of Nepal at that time. While researching about the bridges in Nepal, the history of the bridges built in Dailekh was found. At the same time, Dalvir’s name was also added ‘, says Ulak,’ Ellen Fairbank of America has built a suspension bridge with Dalvir. I have received many photos of Dalvir from the same Ellen. ‘
And
then the Surkhet airport was built . It was rumored that the then King Mahendra would come to Surkhet in the year 2020. At that time, Surkhet was not connected by road. Preparations were made to build an airport for the arrival of the king. Then, Dalbir himself insisted on making a land clearing roller for the airport. The roller was made so that people could pull the thick simal’s mat from the front and some people could climb on the same mat to increase their weight. According to sources, the land has been rehabilitated.
The roller was kept safe for a long time by the then Royal Nepalese Army Gulm. During the construction of the airport, a large buffalo skin bag was made to carry the soil. According to sources, during the visit to Surkhet, the king was informed about the work of Dalbir by the army chief. After getting information about the unique talent, the king called Dalvir. At the meeting, King Mahendra gave a prize of Rs. 400 at that time.
There is a history that seeing the talent of Dalbir, the then king gave him a job in the district panchayat saying that it would help in the development of Surkhet. He got the job of sub-overseer in Dailekh district panchayat after the king’s order. His responsibility was to make the suspension. However, he did not study engineering. He is said to have got the job of sub-overseer on the basis of knowledge and skills.
After
some time of cooperation with the Americans, American Piskor volunteers started coming to Nepal. At the same time, in the year 2024, American student Ellen Fairbank came to Surkhet. Ellen had knowledge of bridge construction. He started working with Dalvir. Darvir’s second wife, Motisara, and Ellen became sisters. According to sources, Ellen did not return to Nepal after Motisara’s death.
About half a dozen suspension bridges were built in Dailekh under Dalbir’s supervision while he was a sub-overseer. It is mentioned that suspension bridges were built at Dungeshwor of Dailekh, Lohore river at Chupra, Shristhan of Chhamghat river, Chhamghat river at Kitula of Rawatkot, Lohore river and Chor river at Dailekh.
Advocate Khadga Bahadur Sijapati says that Dalbir has made significant contribution in the development of Dailekh. ‘Dalvir was a mason. Later, the district panchayat decided to give the job of sub-overseer. At that time, there was no other technician here except him ‘, says Sijapati. On the other hand, because I am a Dalit, I have seen Dalbir being kept out of the house to be fed and even washed. ‘
Another Piskor volunteer, Bob Davis, came from the United States to draw the highway . Dalbir also worked with him to build the bridge. Under the supervision of Dalbir, the road from Surkhet to Jumla via Dailekh was demarcated. He also outlined the road connecting Surkhet to Nepalgunj. While working, he visited various places in Dailekh and Surkhet. In his spare time, he used to make everything from iron materials to gold ornaments. He was going to make a typewriter, Petromax, which was damaged by the army gun in the government office. In addition to electrical goods, Dalbir also made watches, radios, and broken army sets.
Dalbir Singh building the bridge.
Prem Bahadur Bista, 72, who was closely watched, recalls that Dalvir was a person with experience and skill at work. He says, ‘Dalbir, who was working as a sub-overseer, used to build suspension bridges. He has also drawn the Dailekh-Surkhet road section. He remembers that the villagers of Rawatkot bid farewell to Dalbir with respect at that time. “The state has not been able to honor people with a lot of experience and skills,” he says.
Discussion within the army At that time, the army helicopter that reached Taraghat in Dailekh broke down. There is no engineer or skilled mechanic in remote areas. The army officer remembered Dalbir. Dalbir was called to Taraghat. His knowledge and skill became a helicopter. After the army helicopter was brought to Surkhet Gulm, there was talk that Dalvir could build a helicopter inside the army Gulm. He built a water-powered mill on the Itram River in Surkhet. In the then Jwala Dal Gulm Dailekh, Dalvir was sought even if he had to repair any goods.
He has been mysterious for 48 years since his death . However, he slept on the night of April 19 and was not found in bed the next morning. During the search, he was found hanging on the ground in front of Bageshwori School near Badepipal. Most said he may have been hanged after Dalbir’s murder. However, the incident was not investigated. When there was not enough evidence, it was called suicide. His son Shyamlal had joined the army in Chait 2029 BS. According to sources, he had come to take care of his father on leave.
Dalvir Singh’s family.
The family has complained that the cause of Dalbir’s death has not been investigated, the state has not respected him and the facility has not been provided. Son Shyamlal Sunar complains that his father’s contribution to the country has not been appreciated. He is undergoing treatment at the Army Hospital in Ranjha, Banke due to health problems. He says, ‘Our father had made a great contribution to the country. However, the state did not recognize it. He is unhappy with his treatment due to lack of funds.
Premadevi, a daughter-in-law, complains that the state has not paid attention to the person who contributes to the country by keeping the goldsmith’s family on the streets. At that time, the father-in-law did not contribute to the family but to the country. But, in the eyes of the government, my father-in-law and I could not fall ‘, she says. Dalvir, who was always talking about government work, did not amass wealth. After Dalvir’s death, his relatives advised Motisara to submit a petition to the king. Motisara also submitted a petition with the help of a literate person. Soon the king’s order reached the zonal governor’s office. It said, “Pay for Dalbir’s family free of cost and build a house.” Experts say, “Dalvir’s family did not get the money to build the house.” Motisara, who was hoping to get money from the government, also died in 2059 BS.
Dalbir was married while he was in Dailekh. They had a son and a daughter. Leaving his wife and children in Dailekh, Surkhet fell. While living in Surkhet, he got married to Motisara for the second time. After their second marriage, they had three sons and a daughter. At the same time, another daughter was born in Dailekh. And Dalvir became the father of four sons and three daughters. The eldest son and eldest daughter have died. The eldest son Shyamlal has two grandchildren and one great-grandchild, the eldest son has two grandchildren, the eldest son Sarvaraj has two grandchildren and the youngest son Tirtharaj has one grandchild and four grandchildren.
When I reached Kanpur to buy bridge equipment.
Dozens of bridges built by Dalvir in the area have now become modern bridges. Similarly, the roads he has demarcated have turned into highways. Surkhet Airport is also being upgraded.
Photo courtesy: Sunil Ulak (These photos were taken by Dalbir Singh Kami’s American friend Ellen Fairbank)
