Landslides on Karnali Highway Disrupt Travel and Economy
• Landslides in the Gagane Khola area of the Karnali Highway, located in Shubhakalika Rural Municipality-1, Kalikot, have caused significant disruptions. The highway, which connects Surkhet to Jumla, has been blocked for three days due to heavy rainfall from October 9 to
• This area is prone to landslides even during normal rainfall, and previous mitigation efforts, such as gabion nets and drainage systems, have failed. The landslides have stranded domestic and foreign tourists heading to Rara Lake, as well as local residents and drivers. Additionally, apples and herbs worth crores are rotting due to transportation delays.
Impact & Risks
The landslides have severely impacted the local economy, with perishable goods like apples and herbs being wasted. Tourists and residents are stranded, and 19 families have been displaced from the affected area. The recurring nature of these landslides poses ongoing risks to travellers and the local community. The lack of a permanent solution exacerbates the situation, leaving the region vulnerable to further disruptions during the monsoon season.
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