HALESI: A landslide caused by continuous rainfall has completely blocked the Jayaram-Halesi road section of the Mid-Hill Highway.
The incident occurred this morning at Chyasmitar, Ward No. 3 of Halesi Tuwachung Municipality, when a landslide fell from about 100 meters above the road, obstructing the entire stretch.
The blockage has stranded vehicles and passengers traveling between Kathmandu and the Terai region. Pilgrims visiting Halesi for the annual ‘Bolbam’ festival are also stuck on the road due to the landslide.
According to acting Chief Police Inspector Sushant Mishra of the District Police Office in Khotang, vehicles coming from Halesi are halted at Jayaram, while those heading towards Halesi from the Diktel side are stopped at Durchim.
Local officials reported that the landslide has caused major inconvenience to devotees heading to Halesi, a significant tri-religious pilgrimage site, especially as it coincides with the last Monday of the month of Shrawan—a peak time for pilgrims.
Kamal Giri, spokesperson for Halesi Tuwachung Municipality and Chairperson of Ward No. 7 Mahadevsthan, said, “A large landslide on the Jayaram-Halesi road has stranded many pilgrims on the road. All rescue and clearance efforts are underway. However, ongoing rainfall is hampering the work. We hope to reopen the road by evening.”
The landslide reportedly occurred around 8:10 a.m. after several days of relentless rain. Locals also reported that the landslide has blocked the Damli-Dikuwa road.
Municipal Chief Bimala Rai stated that excavators from Halesi Tuwachung Municipality and the Mid-Hill Highway authority are being used to clear the debris.
“The landslide is huge, with large stones, soil, and trees blocking the road. Efforts are ongoing to clear them, but the road cannot be reopened immediately. Travelers are advised to check for updates before embarking on their journey,” she said.
Halesi is an important religious site where Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirat faiths converge. The Bolbam festival, which lasts about a month, draws pilgrims not only from across Nepal but also from India, China, Bhutan, and other countries.
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