KATHMANDU: A total of 43 locations along the Narayangadh-Muglin Road have been identified as landslide-prone, according to a study conducted by the Road Division Office, Bharatpur.
The study shows that eight areas fall under high risk, 22 under moderate risk, and 13 under low risk. Among them, Tuin Khola has been classified as extremely high risk.
According to engineer Arjun Ghimire, Kali Khola and Namsi Khola are also among the high-risk zones.
“Tuin, Kali and Namsi river sections face high landslide risks. There is also a risk of falling rocks between Tuin and Chisengi. Two sections at Char Kilo face landslide and mudflow threats, while Mauri Khola and Seti Dobhan are at high risk of debris flow,” Ghimire said.
Other vulnerable areas include 16 Kilo, 17 Kilo, Dumre Khola and Simaltal.
Mitigation plans underway
Office chief Narayan Lamichhane said a procurement master plan for landslide prevention at Tuin, Kali and Namsi Khola was submitted to the Department of Roads on February 5.
He said the design process is in its final stage and that Rs 250 million has been allocated for landslide control at these critical points under disaster management funds.
An additional Rs 200 million budget has been set aside for other risk areas. The office is preparing to invite tenders soon, aiming to begin mitigation work before the monsoon season.
Key highway under threat
Authorities said landslides have been a recurring problem in the area since road expansion works in previous years, which involved cutting hill slopes.
During the monsoon, mudslides and falling debris frequently disrupt traffic along the highway, which serves as a vital lifeline connecting Kathmandu with other parts of the country.
More than 10,000 vehicles travel daily along this crucial road corridor.
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