Myagdi locals launch volunteer campaign to repair dangerous Ghodepani road section

Myagdi. A community-led volunteer campaign began today to repair the Luliya turn section of the road connecting to the tourist destination of Ghodepani, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Myagdi. Following an increase in accidents at the Luliya turn on the Pokharebagar-Ghodepani road, locals have spontaneously started repair work through voluntary labor.

Ramkrishna Khadka, president of the Pokharebagar Youth Club, stated that 78 volunteers from Pokharebagar, Kurmuni, Hallekharka, Birauta, Bhuwanithan, and Ghar village participated in the campaign today. Using gabion wires provided by the Annapurna Rural Municipality, 13 cubic meters of wall were constructed, and stone soling was laid over a 15-meter stretch. The campaign will continue on Monday to complete further work.

The road repair initiative was coordinated by Ward Chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Rambahadur Khadka, and local youths Rajaram Baruwal, Bipin Baruwal, and Ramkrishna Khadka. The project received Rs 50,000 in support from Muktinath Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., and transport entrepreneurs have also pledged their assistance.

Locals report that the dilapidated state of the road at the Luliya turn and the Hallekharka landslide area has been causing significant problems for residents and tourists traveling to Ghodepani. Due to the narrowing of the road caused by landslides, as well as poor grading and sharp turns, vehicles frequently struggle to climb, get stuck, or are involved in accidents.

Ward Chairman Khadka explained that the community-led temporary repairs were initiated due to the increased risks caused by delays in implementing projects funded by the federal government.

“The delay by the Local Infrastructure Development Office in Pokhara in implementing the project to improve the Luliya turn and Hallekharka road has increased the risk of accidents and public hardship,” he said. “Despite constant pressure from elected representatives, the office's negligence has created uncertainty regarding the implementation of the project, for which a budget of Rs 30 million has been allocated for a long-term solution.”

The forests of Ghodepani are currently vibrant with blooming rhododendrons. The road also connects to Ghodepani from Birethanti in Kaski. Since the opening of the new route connecting Birethanti-Ulleri to Ghodepani, vehicles face issues getting stuck in mud in the Bhaleodar area. There has been a surge in domestic tourists traveling by vehicle to enjoy the rhododendron forests and mountain views from Poon Hill.