MAHENDRANAGAR: The number of people leaving home to neighbouring India for work has increased despite the second wave of COVID-19 yet to come under full control.

Braving the lockdown imposed in Sudur Pachim province, an increasing number of people are queuing up at the Gaurphanta transit for entry to India.

India remains a major a labour destination for people in Sudur Paschim province. More than 12,700 Nepalis left for India through the Gauriphanta transit in the month of Jetha alone, said sub-inspector of police at the police post in Dakebazaar, Khadka Jung Shahi.

People from the hilly districts of Sudur Paschim as well as from Surkhet, Kalikot, Pyuthan, Bardia and even Palpa are using this transit to go to various parts of India for work. In the same month, 24,000 Nepali returned home via the transit, Shahi said.

“We had no choice but to return to India for work, as we fear of dying due to hunger rather than corona, said Dhandevi Joshi of Dadeldhura. She was heading for Punjab, India along with her husband on Friday.

On Friday alone, 700 left for India through the Gauriphanta transit and 346 using the Gadda chowki transit.

“The number of people returning is now on the decline while those going to India through these transits have increased,” said spokesperson of District Police Office, Kanchanpur DSP Amar Bahadur Thapa.