Landslide Control Work Nears Completion at Critical Jhyaple Khola Section of Nagdhunga-Mugling Road

Kathmandu. The control work for the devastating Jhyaple Khola landslide, which claimed 35 lives a year and a half ago, has reached 99% completion. It is expected that the risk of road obstruction during the upcoming monsoon season will be reduced due to the robust containment measures implemented in this sensitive section along the Nagdhunga-Naubise stretch of the Nagdhunga-Mugling road.

Keshav Prasad Ojha, Chief of the Nagdhunga-Mugling Road Project (Eastern Section), informed that the landslide control work at Jhyaple Khola is now up to 99% complete. He stated, 'The work to control this landslide is almost finished; only 1 percent remains.'

A massive debris flow landslide occurred at Jhyaple Khola following incessant rainfall on 2081 Ashoj 12. This landslide was not only a result of natural causes but also a consequence of human activities. Soil accumulated during plotting activities 2-3 hundred meters above the road formed the foundation of the landslide. When heavy rain fell, this piled-up soil washed down, completely burying a small culvert there. As water drainage was obstructed, the intense flow of mud filled the culvert, and the resulting pressure caused further landslides, turning it into a major event.

During that landslide, a microbus with registration number Lu 1 Ja 4578 coming from Butwal, a microbus with registration number Ba 3 Ja 1345 coming from Chitwan, and a bus with registration number Na 4 Kha 2270 coming from Gorkha were buried in this stream. 35 passengers lost their lives in this incident, plunging the nation into mourning. Later, these vehicles, buried under the soil, were excavated using an excavator. At that time, this landslide blocked the main route entering and exiting Kathmandu, causing hundreds of vehicles to be stranded.

Previously, a landslide also occurred at the same location in the year 2050, further highlighting the geological sensitivity of this area. Furthermore, the Nagdhunga Mugling Road Project Eastern Section has employed scientific technology for long-term control to prevent this landslide from recurring in the future.

For the long-term control of this landslide, the Department of Roads has adopted modern and robust technologies based on a scientific re-design. Gabion walls have been primarily used for landslide control, which helps stabilize the soil and manage water flow. In gullies, the 'Bembo Crib Wall' method (a method of building a wall by embedding bamboo) has been used. This supports the soil, and as the bamboo sprouts and forms thickets, it provides a naturally stronger and more sustainable solution.

In addition, the 'Micro Pile' technology has been used on the upper road, which increases soil stability by embedding small and strong pillars underground. Above that, an RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) structure has been constructed by installing anchor rods and ST rods. These engineering measures will play a significant role in preventing the landslide from spreading further and making the soil strong and permanent. It is believed that this kind of multi-faceted and robust structure will keep Jhyaple Khola safe in the future as well.

Furthermore, with the landslide control work at Jhyaple Khola nearly complete, the risk of road obstruction and accidents on this road section is expected to be significantly reduced during the upcoming monsoon season. This work will greatly help in making the journey for travelers on the main route entering and exiting Kathmandu safer and smoother.

However, the overall physical progress of the Nagdhunga-Naubise road section has reached 85 percent. Preparations are underway for the third layer of blacktopping on this 12.25 km stretch. Work was temporarily affected for a few days because engineering teams and staff were deployed for election duties, and construction contractors returned home to vote. The project stated that work will now regain full momentum.

Project Chief Ojha says, 'The two layers of blacktopping on this road section are complete. Preparations are now underway for the third layer of blacktopping. The blacktopping work on this section will be completed in three weeks. After that, we will start the road marking work.'

Additionally, a pedestrian-friendly accessible foot overbridge is being constructed over the Khani Khola in the same section. The contract for the upgrading of the Nagdhunga-Naubise section, worth 1.30 billion rupees, was awarded to Jangsu-Sagun JV, and its deadline has been extended multiple times.

The contract agreement for this section was signed on 2078 Chaitra 29, and work commenced on 2079 Jestha 26, a year and a half after the agreement. As the work was not completed by 2081 Jestha 27, the deadline was extended until Magh 2081. After it was not completed within that period, it was further extended until the end of Shrawan 2082. After it was not completed by then, it was extended again until the end of Falgun. The project indicated that more time will be required as work was affected by the elections.