MAHENDRANAGAR: Cross-border travel between Nepal and India through the Gaddachowki border point in Kanchanpur has been affected after the water level in the Mahakali River rose due to continuous rainfall.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Tek Bahadur Rawat, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, the river’s flow reached 175,700 cusecs as measured on Sunday.
With the river flow rising, Indian authorities have restricted four-wheeled vehicles from using the Sharda Barrage, also known as the Banbasa Bridge. Only motorcycles and other small vehicles have been allowed to cross.
The approximately 100-year-old Banbasa Bridge has been subject to restrictions on heavy vehicles whenever the Mahakali River’s flow exceeds 100,000 cusecs.
The river’s flow has increased due to continuous rainfall in the hilly districts of Sudurpaschim, including Darchula, Baitadi and Dadeldhura, as well as in adjoining areas of India.
Rawat said the river level continues to rise and urged residents in riverside areas to remain alert. Heavy vehicles are currently not being allowed to operate on the bridge in either direction.
Meanwhile, long-distance vehicles operating from Mahendranagar and Belauri in Kanchanpur have been suspended for the past two days as a precautionary measure amid forecasts of heavy rainfall and possible loss of life and property.
Nabin Bhatt, chairman of Mahakali Multipurpose Transport Company Pvt. Ltd., said long-distance passenger buses to destinations including Kathmandu and Pokhara have not been operating since Friday due to the rainfall.
“Short-distance vehicles to Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar are operating, but long-distance vehicles have been suspended,” Bhatt said. “Vehicles have also not been sent to the hill districts of Sudurpaschim because continuous rainfall has increased the risk of landslides in the hills.”
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