Continuous rainfall has caused a landslide on the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Road, a national pride project, leaving numerous devotees stranded. The landslide occurred at Dharbot in Dhorpatan Municipality-7, Baglung, completely blocking the road since this afternoon.
The road disruption has caused significant hardship for hundreds of devotees returning from the Dhorbarah Temple, located within Nepal’s only hunting reserve, Dhorpatan. Dhorpatan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dhan Bahadur Kayat informed that efforts are ongoing to clear the landslide, which was triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday night.
“The heavy rainfall has led to multiple landslides along the road, causing a complete blockage,” said Deputy Mayor Kayat. “Many devotees are facing difficulties due to the road closure. We are working to reopen the road as soon as possible.” The landslide has particularly impacted those who had traveled from across the country to offer prayers at the Dhorbarah Temple on Janai Purnima and were on their way back.
The road has also suffered damage from the Bhujikhola River in several areas, further complicating the situation. The municipality has urged travelers to exercise caution when using the road, especially given the ongoing heavy rainfall and the potential for additional landslides.
The Saljhandi-Dhorpatan Road is a critical route not only for local transportation but also for tourism, as it provides access to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and the Dhorbarah Temple. The disruption highlights the challenges faced by infrastructure in the region, especially during the monsoon season, and underscores the need for improved road maintenance and disaster preparedness to support both local communities and the growing tourism sector.
