MUSTANG, Feb 21: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has assured the government's full support to overcome weather-related challenges threatening the upcoming elections in Mustang, as local officials prepare to deploy bulldozers and helicopters to reach snow-covered polling centers.
During a visit to the Himalayan district on Friday, PM Karki received briefings from security agencies and election officials on the significant seasonal hurdles that could impact voting. The Prime Minister, who also visited the Muktinath Temple, met with the Chief District Officer, Chief Election Officer, and district security chiefs to assess ground conditions.
According to District Election Officer Lokendra Bahadur Gyawali, the Prime Minister was informed that the district faces greater hurdles from seasonal weather than from its difficult geography.
Officials highlighted access to two polling centers as the most challenging including the polling center at Himalayan Basic School in Waragung Muktikshetra Rural Municipality–5, Sangta and the polling center at Shaligram Basic School in Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality–5, Tangya.
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The Sangta center has only 39 registered voters, while Tangya has 98, out of a total of 11,328 voters in Mustang. Security officials noted that the challenges in reaching Sangta are even more severe than those in Tangya.
Gyawali explained that due to the extreme cold, many villagers have temporarily migrated. In Sangta, which has 13 households, only four voters remain, waiting as herders. About 20 others are staying in nearby, lower-altitude flats within the ward, while the rest have moved to Pokhara or Kathmandu. In contrast, most residents of Tangya have stayed put.
Sangta, the ward's administrative center, is located 34 kilometers from Jomsom along a road that links Mustang with Dolpa.
"We need to deploy the election team to Sangta by March 2 at the latest. We are trying to keep the road open until then, but snow is currently blocking the way, with about 12 kilometers of road being particularly problematic," Gyawali said. A recent District Security Committee team sent to survey the road was unable to reach Sangta due to heavy snowfall. "We are preparing to clear the snow with a bulldozer so that staff can be deployed," he added.
Officials stressed to the PM that while there is no major problem now, a sudden snowstorm could make transporting ballot boxes extremely difficult. They informed her that helicopters might be necessary to move ballots from Sangta and Tangya in case of heavy snow.
Mustang Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma said the Prime Minister assured officials of immediate decisions based on ground conditions. "She told us to inform her immediately if any problem arises," Sharma said. "We have already informed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Election Commission about the possible need for helicopters. Seasonal challenges are the real risk. For now, we will continue efforts to keep the roads open."
The CDO confirmed that following the decision to retain the polling center in Sangta, a bulldozer will be deployed in the coming days to clear the road. "The bulldozer will first clear the snow so we can transport election materials and staff. Only then will it be easier for voters to return home," she said.
While a motorable road does reach Sangta village, key sections remain covered with snow. When the snow melts, the trip from Jomsom takes at least four hours. Currently, vehicle travel is impossible, and walking is not feasible, making it difficult for voters to return to cast their ballots.
