Separate Budget Allocated for Landslide Control on National Highways for the First Time: What Changes Will It Bring?
Image Source, RSS
The government has identified 237 potential landslide-prone locations along nearly 15,000 kilometers of national highways across Nepal and has decided to implement landslide control measures at 67 of these sites in the new fiscal year.
To promptly remove landslide-related disruptions on key national highways and facilitate smooth transportation, the government has allocated NPR 317 million for landslide control in the fiscal year 2083/84 (2026/27 AD).
“For the first time, landslide control has been placed as a major budget category, and we are focusing extensively on controlling landslides,” said Vijay Jaisi, Director General of the Department of Roads. “In previous years, we implemented landslide control projects at only eight to ten sites within limited scopes and included some related activities under other department headings.”
A landslide expert praises this government initiative as a “commendable start,” given the strategic importance of Nepal’s highways and the critical need for identifying and preventing all types of landslides on these routes.
Professor Ranjan Kumar Dahal, a geology professor at Tribhuvan University, emphasized, “For this work, skilled consultants should be competitively selected to commence detailed studies.”
According to the government disaster portal, 418 landslide incidents have been recorded nationwide over the past six and a half months.
In Nepal, after fires, storms, and snake bites, landslides rank as the fourth largest risk factor. Landslides along national highways have caused traffic to halt for hours and sometimes days.
‘Special Initiative’
Image Source, RSS
Ram Hari Pokharel, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, stated that landslide sites will now be structurally identified and studied systematically.
“Based on studies, we will undertake multi-year contracts for the work. Large landslides will require detailed control measures, and design plans will follow the studies,” explained Pokharel.
“The work will span contracts of up to three years. Most landslide control techniques will be implemented on key highways.”
Officials have indicated that a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared for landslide control initiatives.
According to Pokharel and Department of Roads Director General Jaisi, it is impossible to address all landslide sites across Nepal within a single year, so the government has not allocated a lump-sum budget for nationwide work.
“Therefore, we have planned a three-year agreement to carry out the work once, removing the need to arrange frequent approvals,” Jaisi said.
“Estimating the budget for three years, the required amount is approximately NPR 1.2 to 1.3 billion.”
Where Is the Landslide Risk?
Following widespread landslide impacts across national highways, the Department of Roads concluded that expert interventions are essential to resolve these challenges effectively.
Authorities reported that landslide problems are concentrated mainly in the mid-hills and on roads leading to China.
Their evaluation highlighted that roads such as Kantipath, Araniko Highway, Kali Gandaki Corridor, Besisahar-Chame Road, Prithvi Highway, and Narayangadh-Muglin Road require immediate attention for landslide control.
The Shivalik region along the East-West Mahendra Highway is identified as strategically important for landslide control and river erosion management.
The BP Highway, which suffered significant monsoon damage nearly two years ago, still requires landslide assessment and control measures.
“Even though the Muglin-Pokhara section of the Prithvi Highway is a new route, more work is needed for landslide control. Many measures have already been implemented on the Nagdhunga-Muglin section,” Jaisi explained.
“This effort by the Department of Roads will bring substantial improvement to national highways.”
‘Moderate-Cost Strategy’
Image Source, RSS
Landslide expert and Tribhuvan University professor Ranjan Dahal considers the government’s allocation of a dedicated budget for landslide control as a significant and prioritizing step.
“Strategies must ensure that main roads remain open all year. This approach will involve natural engineering and bioengineering methods, complemented by international-level strong measures such as stone anchoring and mechanically stabilized concrete walls,” Dahal explained.
“Simply constructing unstable gabion walls is insufficient; comprehensive water management, including piping systems to divert water, is necessary everywhere.”
He noted that unlike other countries, Nepal lacks specific hotspots making it easier to target landslide-prone areas for control, highlighting that initiating this work is a positive development.
“While bridge construction may be a solution in some locations, identifying these spots is challenging in Nepal. Regular, consistent efforts can yield positive results in landslide control,” Dahal added.