The Karnali Highway, a critical route for tourism and local travel, has been obstructed due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall. The road has been completely blocked since Wednesday morning, particularly at Smode and Hulma in Kalikot district, according to Bir Bahadur JT, the Information Officer at the Road Division Office in Jumla.
The landslides, which occurred along the Jumla road section during the night, have made the highway impassable. Efforts are currently underway to clear the debris and restore the road to operation as soon as possible. However, frequent landslides at Dahikhola, Gagnekhola, Esmod, and Hulm along the Kalikot section of the Karnali Highway have been a recurring issue, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the region.
The obstruction of the highway has had a significant impact on the local population and tourism. Hundreds of passengers, including tourists traveling from Jumla and Mugu to Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Kathmandu, have been stranded. This disruption not only affects local communities but also hampers tourism, a vital industry for the region.
Residents and travelers alike have expressed frustration over the lack of attention from authorities to upgrade and maintain the roads in these high-risk areas. The continuous neglect has resulted in frequent disruptions, posing a threat to both safety and the economic activities that depend on reliable road access.
The Karnali Highway is an essential route for tourists exploring the remote and culturally rich Karnali region. However, the ongoing issues with road conditions and frequent landslides highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to support both local communities and the tourism sector. As efforts continue to reopen the highway, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the critical importance of proactive road maintenance and disaster preparedness.
