CHITWAN: Tree cutting and clearing of bushes have begun on the hill above Krishnabhir along the Prithvi Highway.
According to Sachendra Mishra, engineer at the western section of the Naubise–Muglin Road Project, 33 people have been mobilised to cut trees and clear bushes. Four of them are supervisors, while the rest are workers.
Although bush clearing began on Wednesday, tree cutting started on Thursday. Mishra said clearing the hillside would help determine the most suitable location for opening a road track.
The area is expected to be cleared within a day. Once the hill is cleared, experts will inspect the site and determine the appropriate location for opening the track. Work will then proceed according to their recommendations, Mishra said.
Sharma JV, the construction company working on the road expansion, is carrying out the clearing and tree-cutting work. The company has also kept excavators ready on both sides of the hill.
According to Mishra, the first section of the hill is around 80 metres wide and rises about 30 metres above the road. Another hill lies above it. A section of around 200 metres of road has sunk and developed cracks. The road at the site was previously about 10 metres wide.
The road sank after the Trishuli River swept away even the strong structures at its base. Construction company operator Sahadev Khadka said the company was ready to begin work once the mapping of the site was completed.
The road network connecting Kathmandu has been disrupted since the road section sank on the morning of Bhadra 14. The government has already issued necessary decisions and directives to reopen the route as soon as possible. Work is underway to construct an alternative route within Bhadra.
The road had repeatedly been affected by landslides around 2056 BS. However, after repairs and maintenance, the road had not experienced major problems since around 2060 BS.
Mishra said there are hard rock formations on both sides of the site, while a 60–70-metre section in the middle of the cliff is relatively weak. The current problem has occurred in this section.
The same roadside area had begun sinking last year and was undergoing repairs when the entire road section eventually collapsed.
Following the collapse, authorities are also exploring alternative routes from the Gorkha side. Several routes connect different parts of Dhading from Gorkha, and suitable routes are being considered for repair and use as alternatives.
Mud and debris carried by the Bhotekoshi flood have caused damage at several locations along the Trishuli River, including Krishnabhir.
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