Rasuwa / The Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road section which was disrupted by the recent significant rains has reopened from Tuesday afternoon.
According to Chief District Officer (CDO) of Rasuwa, Beda Nidhi Khanal, the traffic was resumed following tremendous efforts to clear the landslide depositions throughout Sunday and Monday. Light vehicles and goods-loaded containers are allowed to pass through starting 1:00 pm of Tuesday.
The 16-kilometer section was blocked by landslides at numerous points and the landslide depositions were removed with the help of dozers and security forces. However, the monsoon-induced disasters caused no human casualties, according to CDO Khanal.
Around 40 containers en route to Kerung of China for bringing goods were stranded near Syafrubesi due to landslides, while others entering Nepal from Kerung had stopped on the premises of the Rasuwa Customs Office. These containers were carrying a variety of goods including garments, kitchen utensils, slippers and shoes, electronic devices and food items like apples, garlic and ginger.
The Armed Police Force reported that 46 containers loaded with ready-made garments, along with trucks carrying apples, persimmons, and pomegranates, have already entered Nepal via the Miteri Bridge for the upcoming Dashain festival.
The Lingling area along the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi route remains vulnerable due to soil erosion by the Bhotekoshi River and its geographical conditions. The Department of Roads indicated that further disruptions could occur if rains resume; however, vehicular movement will be smooth if the weather holds.
The police administration has advised against nighttime travel bearing in mind the steep slopes on the both sides of the route.
It may be noted that the disruptions of telephone, electricity and internet services for two days affected the activities of the Rasuwa Customs Office.
On the Chinese side, significant landslides have been reported near Thongsa, blocking traffic towards Kerung. As of now, the Chinese authorities have yet to start repairs, leaving containers destined for Kerung stranded at Rasuwagadhi.
Since its opening for goods transport on December 1, 2015, the Rasuwagadhi transit point has seen significant imports, while exports remain minimal. This route is lately preferred by pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar in China, as it is considered more convenient than the Hilsa route in Humla. Half of the pilgrims travel by motor vehicle from Kathmandu to Timure, while the other half use helicopters, it is said.
Efforts are underway to facilitate the return of Nepali citizens from Kailash Mansarovar in coordination with Lhasa-based Nepali Consul General Navaraj Dhakal, said CDO Khanal. He reported that restoration of the damaged roadways towards China may take some time, creating uncertainty for travel along the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route.
Data from the Immigration Office shows that at least 70,743 people have departed for the Mansarovar pilgrimage in the current fiscal year.
The recent rains have also caused damage to the under-construction 216-megawatt Upper Trishuli-1 and 20-mw Langtag Khola Hydropower Projects, including employee shelters. Additionally, an iron pole of the Nepal Electricity Authority's national line was damaged at Pahirebensi, and landslides pose risks to a customs office being constructed with the Chinese assistance near the dry port here.
Roadway damages have been reported from Betrawati, Mailung, Yangkang, and Chhokal areas, with assessments ongoing through the Road Improvement Project. The District Disaster Management Committee reported that a hut was buried by a mudslide in Timure, and many rural roads in the district have suffered significant damages.
People have urged local governments to take prompt action to restore the roadways to ensure smooth transport of goods, especially food supplies, during the Dashain festival. In Saramthali, locals have launched efforts to improve damaged roads.
- Gyanendra Neupane, RSS
