JUMLA, Sept 8: The Jumla–Manma section of the Karnali Highway, which had been obstructed by landslides for three days, resumed operation after midnight on Monday.
The road was closed after a landslide occurred at around 7 pm on Saturday and was reopened at around 12:45 am Tuesday.
The Road Division Office, Jumla, had deployed machinery and technical teams around the clock to clear landslides at Serawada, Simle and Simle Mod.
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Acting chief Sarban Kumar Mahatara said the road was reopened at the Pili section after constructing a retaining wall with gabions.
“The Pili section was particularly difficult, but we succeeded in reopening the road after continuous efforts,” he said.
More than 10 small and large landslides have occurred along the Kalikot–Jumla road section since the beginning of Bhadra. The Road Division Office said the Gaganekhola area has been the most problematic, with landslides occurring almost daily.
Although the Manma–Jumla road has reopened, work to clear the landslide at Gaganekhola is ongoing. Continued rainfall and the constant flow of mud and rocks from above have made road operations challenging.
Mahatara said the office aims to bring the entire Karnali Highway back into operation by 2 pm Tuesday, weather permitting.
The Road Division Office has urged travelers to exercise caution until the road is fully secured.
