KANCHANPUR: The Bann Samiti (Forest Committee)-Kasraul Road, part of the northern section of the Nagar Gaurav Yojana Ring Road in Shuklaphanta Municipality, has become increasingly dangerous due to dry trees lining both sides of the road.
Falling tree branches and trees pose a constant risk to vehicles and pedestrians. Local resident Ratan Lal Rana, 60, recalled that Phiruwa Rana died a few years ago after being struck by a dry tree branch while walking on the road.
Dry trees have also damaged property. One fell on a school bus carrying students, though no one was injured. Another struck a cowshed belonging to local resident Ramdin Rana, damaging it but sparing the animals.
Last year, a tree broke the corner of Danu Rana’s house, but the family inside escaped unharmed.
“Accidents from dry trees have made walking on this road frightening,” said former ward chair Jagata Rana. He urged authorities to remove old, dry, and damaged trees, noting that human casualties have occurred during storms, lightning, and heavy rain. “There is no alternative route, so we are forced to take risks.”
Local Jahar Singh Rana said falling branches and trees threaten both pedestrians and moving vehicles, particularly during windy conditions. “Walking on this road during rain or wind puts lives at risk,” he said, calling for the immediate removal of dead trees.
Deepak Dhami, engineer of Shuklaphanta Municipality, said the Infrastructure Development Office has signed a Rs 30 million contract to blacktop the 1.5-kilometer stretch from the Forest Committee to Kasraul.
“Work cannot proceed safely without removing dead trees,” he said, noting that environmental studies and DPR preparations have been completed, but permission to cut the trees is still pending.
The municipality has sent a request to the concerned ministry for approval, as Shuklaphanta falls within the buffer zone of the National Park. Ward Chairman Dan Singh Air said the road is vital, connecting Wards 6, 7, and 8 to the ward office, health post, and drinking water supply. “We have coordinated with the park for managing dry trees. A ministry team has already conducted on-site observations, and the matter has been escalated for action,” he said.
According to local authorities, 105 trees along the road need removal. The park office has submitted a preliminary environmental report to the concerned body. Locals are demanding that unsafe trees be cut immediately and that the road be widened and blacktopped for safety.
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