MUSTANG: Containers laden with goods imported from China have been halted at Nhechung Customs in Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, Korala with the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, a national pride project, blocked at various points after heavy rainfall.
The floods, landslides and river erosion caused by heavy rainfall since last Saturday night inflicted damage to the Beni–Jomsom–Korala route in different 46 places. It has completely affected trade from northern Korala.
According to Bidur Chudal, head of the Mustang Customs Office, containers with goods brought into Nepal from Korala have been cleared by customs but cannot move to their destination due to road blockage. “More than 150 containers are stuck at customs yard in Korala. Out of these, customs clearance for 90 percent has been completed,” said Customs Chief Chudal. “Some containers are still undergoing customs clearance, which should be completed within the next two days.”
After complete closure of Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints, the only alternative route via Korala has also been affected due to the rains, it is stated.
Chudal further said the state had to suffer a loss in revenue collection due to roads being blocked by floods, landslides, and river erosion, especially while importing goods from China targeted for Dashain and Tihar.
With the Korala checkpoint blockage, around 200 electric vehicles are not reaching to their destinations.
Among them, more than 100 vehicles have been stuck at Jomsom Bus Park for five days without being able to go down from Jomsom, according to Armed Police Force 33, Gulmi Jomsom.
