MYAGDI: Floods in the Myagdi River have damaged a section of the Beni-Darbang road in Balaute, endangering the nearby Dukhubesi village.
The damage occurred following heavy rainfall between Sept. 25 and 28, disrupting the vital transport link for Malika, Mangala, and Dhawalagiri rural municipalities.
Malika Rural Municipality Chair Beg Prasad Garbuja stated that the floodwaters from the Arman Khola changed the course of the Myagdi River, causing the road to collapse. While an alternative route via Dukhubesi has been opened, it is narrow and unsuitable for large vehicles, posing further operational challenges.
Rajesh Ulak, head of the Infrastructure Development Office in Myagdi, reported that approximately 100 meters of the road have been completely destroyed, making it unsafe even for pedestrians. Ward Chair Patha Bahadur Roka noted that the resulting landslide threatens the 140 households living in Dukhubesi village.
The road is a critical artery, used by residents of Tarakhola in Baglung and for transporting equipment to six hydropower projects under construction in the Myagdi River basin. A delegation, including provincial assembly member Resham Jugjali and Ministry Secretary Navaraj Sharma, inspected the site on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Authorities have agreed to prioritize road repairs to restore traffic before the Dashain festival, with plans for river control measures to be completed before the next monsoon. Secretary Sharma confirmed that the ministry will secure funding for the repairs, while the rural municipality will provide construction materials and hydropower projects will assist by mobilizing their equipment to expedite the work.
