Victims of a massive fire that destroyed 23 houses in Jayagadh Bazaar, Achham district, have yet to receive the relief pledged by local and provincial authorities.

The fire broke out at around 7pm on April 8 at a money transfer centre operated by businessman Pushparaj Sharma. It quickly spread through the market area, which also serves as the administrative centre of Bannigadhi Jayagadh Rural Municipality.

Following the incident, ministers from the Sudurpaschim provincial government, local political leaders, and elected representatives visited the site. Several local governments announced financial assistance. However, victims say they have received little beyond verbal assurances and basic supplies.

Nirmala Rawal, whose concrete house was the first built in the area, said she allowed a bulldozer to demolish her home to prevent the fire from spreading further. “If I hadn’t done that, there might be nothing left in the entire Jayagadh area,” she said. Her house, belongings, food grains, utensils, and jewellery were all destroyed. A widow raising children on a municipal office assistant’s salary, Rawal has been living with relatives since the fire.

“So far, the only relief I’ve received is a blanket, a bucket, 25 kilograms of rice and some oil,” she said. “There’s not even a place to store them. I’m living on the roadside. What I need is shelter.”

Khagendra Saud, a trader at Jayagadh, also lost his house, warehouse, and shop. Municipal records estimate his losses at Rs10 million. Saud, his wife, and son have been staying in a single room of a local health post provided by the municipality.

“The municipality gave us a gas stove, rice, oil, and a blanket. Nothing else. We’re struggling for food and shelter. Many people came to visit in the first few days, but no one cares now,” he said.

Rural Municipality chair Tek Bahadur Saud said property worth an estimated Rs80 million was destroyed, excluding physical infrastructure. He said that the provincial government had announced Rs5 million in immediate support, but the municipality had not yet received the funds.

“To date, we have received only around Rs400,000 in cash donations from individuals and organisations,” he said. “We have provided emergency food relief and are discussing temporary shelters. But there is no long-term recovery plan yet.”

Although most municipalities in Achham pledged support following the disaster, none had disbursed any funds as of Saturday, chair Saud said.

Social Development Minister Meghraj Khadka and Economic Affairs and Law Minister Hira Sarki visited the incident site first. Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Surendra Bahadur Pal inspected the area later.

Despite these visits and pledges, victims say relief remains out of reach.