Pokhara, 19 March| A total of 43 locations along the Narayanghat–Mugling Road have been identified as landslide-prone, with eight classified as high-risk zones, according to a recent study conducted by the Road Division Office in Bharatpur. The findings highlight growing concerns over road safety, especially with the monsoon season approaching. Among the identified areas, Tuin Khola has been categorized as extremely high risk due to frequent rockfalls and mudslides.
Engineer Arjun Ghimire from the division office stated that, in addition to Tuin Khola, Kali Khola and Namsi Khola are also highly vulnerable to landslides. He explained that the stretch between Tuin and Chisengi faces continuous rockfall threats, while two locations in the Four Kilo area are exposed to both landslides and mudflow risks. Similarly, areas such as Mauri Khola and Seti Dobhan are at high risk of debris flow landslides. Other locations, including 16 Kilo, 17 Kilo, Dumre Khola, and Simaltal, have also been identified as vulnerable.
Chief of the Road Division Office Narayan Lamichhane confirmed that a master plan for landslide prevention in high-risk zones like Tuin, Kali, and Namsi Khola has already been submitted to the Department of Roads for approval. He added that the design phase is nearing completion and implementation will begin soon. A budget of NPR 250 million has been allocated under disaster management for landslide control in these critical areas, while an additional NPR 200 million has been set aside for other risk-prone locations.
Authorities are preparing to call for tenders shortly, aiming to initiate preventive measures before the onset of the rainy season. The risk has been exacerbated by road expansion works carried out in recent years, which involved cutting through hillsides and destabilizing slopes. As a result, newly exposed and structurally weak sections are more susceptible to landslides during heavy rainfall.
The Narayanghat–Mugling Road serves as a vital transportation corridor, with over 10,000 vehicles passing daily. It is widely regarded as a lifeline connecting the capital Kathmandu to other parts of the country. Disruptions caused by landslides during the monsoon season can significantly impact economic activities and daily life. Therefore, timely intervention and effective mitigation strategies are considered crucial to ensure road safety and uninterrupted connectivity.
