Myagdi locals repair road to Ghorepani through volunteer labor

MYAGDI. Locals have repaired the Luliya-ghumti section of the road connecting to the tourist destination of Ghorepani in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Myagdi, through volunteer labor to ensure smooth transportation. The repairs were initiated after an increase in accidents at the Luliya-ghumti section of the Pokharebagar-Ghorepani road.

Ramkrishna Khadka, president of the Pokharebagar Youth Club, stated that 80 residents from Pokharebagar, Kurmuni, Hallekharka, Birauta, Bhuwanithan, and Ghar-gaun contributed two days of volunteer labor. Using gabion wires provided by the Annapurna Rural Municipality, they constructed a 13-cubic-meter wall and paved approximately 30 meters of the steep turn with stones. He noted that vehicle movement has become easier following the repairs.

The volunteer campaign was coordinated this week by Ward Chairman of Annapurna-6, Rambahadur Khadka, along with locals Rajaram Baruwal, Bipin Baruwal, and Ramkrishna Khadka. Financial support included 50,000 rupees from Muktinath Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. for stone transport, snacks, and bulldozer operations, alongside contributions from other donors.

The dilapidated state of the road at Luliya-ghumti and the Hallekharka landslide area had been causing difficulties for both residents and tourists visiting Ghorepani. Local entrepreneur Shiva Khadka explained that the narrow road, poor grading, and sharp turns caused vehicles to get stuck or suffer accidents.

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

“The delay by the Local Infrastructure Development Office in Pokhara in implementing the road improvement project for Luliya-ghumti and Hallekharka has increased accident risks and public hardship,” he said. “Following persistent pressure from elected representatives, the office finally called for tenders on Thursday after allocating a budget of 30 million rupees.”

The forests of Ghorepani are currently vibrant with blooming rhododendrons. The road also connects to Ghorepani via Birethanti in Kaski. Locals report that since the opening of the new route connecting Birethanti-Ulleri to Ghorepani, vehicles often get 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.