KATHMANDU: Cross-border movement between Nepal and India through the Gaddachauki border in Kanchanpur has been disrupted due to rising water levels in the Mahakali River following continuous rainfall. According to the District Police Office in Kanchanpur, the water flow in the river has reached 175,700 cusecs.
Following the increase in water volume, Indian authorities have restricted the movement of four-wheeled vehicles on the Sharda Barrage, also known as the Banbasa Bridge.
Only motorcycles and small vehicles are currently permitted to cross. The century-old bridge typically restricts heavy vehicle movement once the water flow in the river exceeds 100,000 cusecs.
The rising water level is attributed to persistent rainfall in the hilly districts of Sudurpashchim Province, including Darchula, Baitadi, and Dadeldhura, as well as in Indian territory. Police have urged residents living in coastal areas to remain alert.
In anticipation of potential damage from heavy rains, long-distance transport services from Mahendranagar and Belauri have been suspended for the past two days. Nabin Bhatta, chairman of the Mahakali Multipurpose Transport Company, stated that passenger buses to destinations such as Kathmandu and Pokhara have not been operating since Friday.
“While short-distance vehicles such as those operating between Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar are running, long-distance services have been halted,” Bhatta said. “Additionally, no vehicles are being dispatched to the hilly districts of Sudurpashchim due to the risk of landslides caused by the continuous rain.”
