43 Locations on Narayangadh-Muglin Road at Risk of Landslides

4 Chaitra, Chitwan – Forty-three locations along the Narayangadh-Muglin road section are currently at risk of landslides. According to a study conducted by the Road Division Office in Bharatpur, eight sites are classified as high-risk, 22 as moderate risk, and 13 as low risk. Among these, the Tuin river area is considered extremely hazardous.

Engineer Arjun Ghimire from the office stated that in addition to the Tuin, the Kali and Namsi rivers are also at high risk. He noted that the section between Tuin and Chisengi, two locations near Char Kilo, and areas around Mauri river and Seti Doobhan face significant landslide threats.

“There is a problem with falling rocks between Tuin and Chisengi. The banks of the Tuin, Kali, and Namsi rivers are highly vulnerable to landslides. Of the two areas near Char Kilo, one experiences landslides and the other rockfalls. The Mauri river and Seti Doobhan also face landslide risks combined with rockfall,” Engineer Ghimire reported. He added that other locations such as 16 kilo, 17 kilo, Dumre river, and Simaltal are also at risk.

The risk of landslides at these locations has persisted since last year. According to Chief Narayan Lamichhane of the office, a procurement master plan to address landslide prevention at the Tuin, Kali, and Namsi rivers was submitted to the Road Department on Magh 23 (early February).

He explained that the design work is in its final stages. Preparations for landslide prevention using the 250 million rupees allocated through the Disaster Management Fund are underway for these sites, he added.

Chief Lamichhane also mentioned that a budget of 200 million rupees has been set aside to prevent landslides at other vulnerable locations. With mapping completed, a tender call is imminent. The works aimed at landslide prevention and risk reduction are expected to be executed before the rainy season. The office is actively undertaking necessary measures due to the increased risk of landslides that coincide with the monsoon.

Years ago, during road expansion efforts, retaining walls were cut, which has contributed to problems during rain when landslides and rockfalls occur. Over 10,000 vehicles travel daily on this road, which is considered a vital lifeline to the capital Kathmandu.