KHOTANG, Aug 11: Continuous rainfall triggered a landslide this morning at Chyasmittar in Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-3, completely blocking the Jayaram–Halesi road section of the Mid-Hill Highway.
The landslide, which fell from about 100 meters above the road, has halted transportation between Kathmandu and the Terai, leaving passengers and vehicles stranded. Many pilgrims traveling to Halesi for the “Bolbam” festival are among those stuck on the road.
According to Acting Chief of Khotang District Police Office, Inspector Sushant Mishra, vehicles heading toward Jayaram from Halesi have been stopped at Diktel, while those coming from the other side have been stopped at Jayaram. The landslide covered about 100 meters of road and removal is expected to take significant time.
Thousands of Bolbam pilgrims throng Sundarijal
The disruption has caused major inconvenience for devotees visiting the tri-religious site of Halesi, especially as today marks the last Monday of the Hindu month of Shrawan, when pilgrim numbers peak.
Local authorities, including the municipality and Mid-Hill Highway maintenance teams, have deployed excavators to clear the debris. However, Mayor Bimala Rai said the landslide is large and the combination of rocks, soil and fallen trees means the road may not reopen immediately.
Travelers are being advised to check road conditions before starting their journeys.
The Bolbam fair at Halesi typically lasts a month and draws visitors from across Nepal as well as India, China and Bhutan.