Landslide blocks Kaligandaki corridor

By Tilachan Pandey,Gulmi (Tamghas), July 15: A massive landslide that fell at Gargare of Harmichuar-Arbeni section of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-2 has blocked the Kaligandaki corridor, bringing the vehicular movement to a complete halt since Sunday morning.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ganga Bahadur Saru of the District Police Office, Gulmi, excavators are being used to remove the landslide, which includes large boulders. He said that it is taking time to clear the debris due to the big size of the rocks that came down with the landslide.

Similarly, another section of the corridor, in Ward No. 6, Barlwa, of the same rural municipality, is also blocked due to a landslide from above the road. 

DSP Saru said that excavators will be deployed to Barlwa only after the debris at Gargare is cleared. 

He said that if it does not rain by Monday evening and no further landslides occur, the debris could be removed. However, he stated that with the additional landslide at Barlwa, the corridor is likely to remain blocked for more than 48 hours.

Since the corridor has been blocked since early Sunday morning, both short- and long-distance vehicles have been unable to operate, leaving many passengers stranded along the route. Small vehicles have been rerouted via Deurali in Harmichaur to reach Arbeni, while larger vehicles have been forced to wait, hoping for the road to reopen.

This area faces recurring landslides every year, especially immediately after rainfall. Given the increased risk during the monsoon season, the Gulmi District Administration Office has urged the public to remain cautious and to inform the nearest police post or administration office in case of any problems.