Jet boat operators complain over lack of infrastructure

By Baburam Karki,Barahakshetra, Jan. 27: Boat operation in the Saptakoshi River is facing challenges due to poorly managed waterway due to the failure of the regulatory authorities in taking action necessary to facilitate the jet boat operation which has been an attraction for domestic and international tourists. 

Last year’s monsoon floods severely disrupted the river's waterway, creating obstacles above the Trisule Ghagi area in Barahakshetra-1. Captain Sujan Shrestha explained that rocks carried by landslides and floods have created blockages, making navigation hazardous. According to him, jet boat operations will remain challenging until these obstructions are cleared.

If the government clears the rocks from the river, jet boat services could potentially extend as far as Dolalghat in Kavre. 

Jet boats were introduced for the first time in Nepal on the Saptakoshi River, but businesses have faced multiple issues due to a lack of interest from the governments at all levels, said Bimal Man Shrestha, an entrepreneur who runs the Barahakshetra Water Transport and Tourism Service Pvt. Ltd. 

The challenges have not only disrupted boat operations but also affected efforts to promote tourism in the region impacting many other businesses here.

The jet boat service provides a convenient travel option for the tourists and locals as it connects Chatara to Halede in Bhojpur in just 20 minutes for a fare of Rs. 700 per passenger. However, although operators have repeatedly demanded the establishment of a proper jet boat station, these requests remain unheard.

Currently, only one jet boat operated by the Barahakshetra Water Transport and Tourism Service is in operation, while other boats have been grounded due to the blocked waterways. Captain Shrestha stated that clearing the rocks would enable operations to extend as far as Dolalghat. 

In some cases, passengers are dropped off to walk around dangerous areas before reboarding for safer stretches of the river.

Shrestha explained that during the monsoon, floods disrupted the waterway, forcing operators to drop off passengers in blocked areas for safety reasons. From Chatara Ghat, passengers board the boat to Trisule, then walk for five minutes to Barahakshetra Temple before reboarding to continue the journey to Kopche, Bhojpur.

Jet boat operator Dinesh Khawas noted that navigating past Trisule Ghagi is particularly challenging with passengers aboard. He added that once the blocked sections are cleared, operations will become much smoother and safer for travellers.

Of the eight companies operating water transport services on the Saptakoshi River, only three jet boats are in operation, with just one, "Can-1," currently operating regularly.

The Water Transport Office has begun work to clear the obstructions in the waterway, allocating a budget of Rs. 1 million. Ward Chairperson Kisan Thapa of Barahakshetra-1 noted that a team led by engineer Babu Sahab Kumar Baitha has inspected the area and initiated rock removal since mid-January.

Water transport has become a quick and efficient mode of transportation for residents of Bhojpur, Udayapur, and Dhankuta. However, despite periodic discussions about safety and maintenance, regulatory oversight has been lacking. 

Operators complain about the lack of proper jetties and maintenance facilities. Bimal Man Shrestha pointed out that investments of up to Rs. 30 million in jet boats are at risk due to the absence of clear waterways and infrastructure. The entrepreneurs also complained about the lack of station for water boats which is swept away by the flood every year. It has become a critical and recurrent problem for them.