43 Locations on Narayangadh-Mugling Road Identified as Landslide Risks

Chitwan. Forty-three locations along the Narayangadh-Mugling road section are at risk of landslides. According to a study conducted by the Division Road Office, Bharatpur, eight locations are at high risk, 22 are at risk, and 13 are at a low-risk level. According to the office's study, Tuin Khola, designated as high risk, is actually at an extremely high risk.

According to Arjun Ghimire, an engineer at the office, Kali and Namsi Khola, along with Tuin, are at high risk. He informed that the section between Tuin Khola and Chisenji, two spots at Charkilo, Mauri Khola, and Sethi Dobhan are at high risk of landslides.

"There is a problem of falling boulders between Tuin and Chisenji. There is a high risk of landslides along Tuin, Kali, and Namsi Khola. Of the two spots at Charkilo, one has a landslide problem and the other has a problem of mudslides," Engineer Ghimire stated. He also informed that 16 Kilo, 17 Kilo, Dumre Khola, Simaltaal, and other places are at risk.

The risk of landslides in these areas has existed since last year. According to the Chief of the office, Narayan Lamichhane, the proposal for the master plan to prevent landslides at Tuin, Kali, and Namsi Khola was sent to the Department of Roads on Magh 23 for approval. He stated that the department has also finalized the design work. He mentioned that preparations are being made to prevent landslides in the high-risk areas using NPR 25 crore allocated through disaster management funds.

According to Chief Lamichhane, a budget of NPR 20 crore has been allocated for landslide prevention in areas other than those mentioned. Informing that preparations are underway for inviting tenders, he stated that since the mapping is complete, tenders will be called in a few days, and landslide prevention and mitigation work will be carried out in the risky areas before the monsoon. The office has also made necessary preparations as the road could be at risk of landslides once the rains begin.

A few years ago, the road was widened, involving cutting into the hillside. Landslides, including mudslides, occurring in the cut slopes and new areas cause problems on this road during the monsoon season. More than 10,000 vehicles travel along this road daily. This road is considered the lifeline for the capital city, Kathmandu.