BAGLUNG: The road linking Nisikhola Rural Municipality-5 to Niseldhor in Baglung has been blacktopped.
In the current fiscal year, 6 kilometres of the road were upgraded at a cost of Rs 7.2 million, jointly funded by the Gandaki Provincial Government and Nisikhola Rural Municipality. Niseldhor, located west of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office, is a well-known tourist destination.
According to Information Officer of Nisikhola Rural Municipality Dilaram Banda Magar, Rs 6 million was contributed by the provincial government and Rs 1.2 million by the rural municipality for the upgrade. He said Niseldhor, considered one of the most remote areas in Baglung district, was connected by a motorable road only six years ago. This year, widening, drainage construction and gravel works were carried out in several sections.
Niseldhor was linked to the road network in fiscal year 2076/77 BS. Although the route via Nagi and Bhuji in Dhorpatan Municipality-9 was earlier passable, it remained slippery and difficult for vehicles. MS TAS Engineering and Construction was awarded the contract on Kartik 12, and the work was completed by the last week of Baisakh, he said.
“The deadline was the last week of Jestha, but the construction company completed the work earlier in Baisakh. Earlier, the road was narrow and difficult, but it has now become easier for year-round vehicle movement,” Magar said.
Earlier, the road used to remain blocked for around five months during the rainy season due to its narrow and fragile condition. Locals said the upgrade has brought relief.
Local resident Sajhana Rasaili said she used to transport essential goods in Jestha to prepare for the rainy season due to road closures. “Now there is hope that this problem will be resolved as vehicles can operate even during the monsoon,” she said.
Locals who previously stayed in the area only during the rainy season have now begun residing there year-round. Around 300 households live in Niseldhor during the rainy season and about 150 in winter.
Locals said agricultural production, including potatoes, apples and beans, is good in the area, but poor road conditions had made market access difficult. With the upgrade, they expect easier transportation and better market access for local produce.
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