BAJHANG, JuLY 17: Landslide debris on the Jay Prithvi Highway has not been cleared even after ten days, obstructing vehicular movement and adding to the woes of the locals.
This has left many passengers stranded on the highway, besides causing a shortage of daily essentials in the district headquarters, Chainpur. Incessant rainfall had triggered landslides in many parts of the district such as Maluwa Lagne Bhid, Dhode Khet and Jalya. But the local authorities and Road Division Office (RDO) have taken no initiatives to clear the debriseven after 10 days.
Jay Lal Kathayat, a local of Talkot Rural Municipality-3 reached the district headquarters Chainpur after walking for a whole day in order to buy food grains at cheaper prices. But he was shocked when the shopkeeper informed him about the new price of goods. “We had expected that life will be eased after the local elections but unfortunately that was a mere dream,” said Kathayat, adding “It has not even been a month of elections and we are facing this price hike.” Locals have expressed disappointment over the local authorities for turning a blind eye to their miseries.
According to Rajendra Singh, a local of Jay Prithvi Municipality, the roads have being risky for the people. “Though it takes just fifteen minutes to reach Tamail Bazaar from my home, I am obliged to take another way which is hours long due to the landslides at Maluwa Lagne Bhid,” said Singh. He further informed Republica that those who made several promises during the elections have not even shown their faces after the elections. Many shops are closed due to the shortage of goods.
Vehicular movement along Jaya Prithvi Highway resumes
The locals have repeatedly visited the District Administration Office (DAO) seeking help but no action has been taken yet. It has badly affected the businesses in the district.
“The vehicles transporting our goods are stuck on the highway. Some of the things have even become stale which has added to our woes,” said Shukra Raj Joshi, a local businessman.
With the onset of the rainy season, the risk of landslides has been high in many parts of the district.
