Korala border traders face water and sanitation crisis

BY HARI KRISHNA SHARMA,Muktinath, Apr. 27: Local traders operating in the no-man’s land (Dasgaja area) at Korala Border Point in Upper Mustang have complained to Gandaki Province’s Minister for Forests and Environment, Namdu Gurung, that they are forced to rely on water from across the border due to the lack of drinking water on the Nepali side.

The traders, who had invited Minister Gurung for a welcome and felicitation at the border point, expressed happiness at Upper Mustang getting representation in the provincial government for the first time. However, they also raised serious concerns about the shortage of drinking water, which has led to problems in sanitation and waste management, and requested immediate solutions.

According to young entrepreneur Pema Chhiring Gurung, traders currently have to transport water by vehicle from the Mustang Customs Office, located about 14 kilometres below the border point. The cost ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 for 20 to 40 liters of water. He also pointed out issues such as energy shortages during winter.

“For drinking water, we have to depend on the Chinese side. If we bring it from below, it costs money. Even basic access to drinking water is not available for those living at the border,” he said.

Another local trader, Kunsang Gurung, said traders openly shared their difficulties with the minister, including the lack of permanent shelters, drinking water, and toilets. They urged the government to replace temporary tents with permanent structures and stressed that, unlike the Chinese side, there are no proper government infrastructures at the Korala border. The community feels that the Nepal government has not prioritised the area and called for immediate action.

Around 150 locals operating 50 tents at the border, along with transport workers, labourers, and tourists, depend on limited facilities. During peak season, more than 1,000 people visit the area daily, yet there is a severe shortage drinking water and toilets.

Local trader Karma Gurung said, “There isn’t even a single proper toilet. It’s difficult just to protect temporary toilets from strong winds.” Tourists visiting Korala are often forced to use open spaces as toilets.

Responding to the concerns, Minister Gurung said that basic issues would be addressed by local and provincial governments, but constructing permanent infrastructure would require intervention from the federal government.

“There are many problems at Korala. It is impossible for local and provincial governments alone to solve them. The federal government must take notice. Although some improvements have been made through our efforts, they are still insufficient, and I will continue to push for further action,” he said.

The minister also stressed the urgent need for both temporary and permanent toilets and proper water supply systems, especially considering the risk of sanitation issues and foul odors during peak tourist seasons, when thousands of domestic visitors arrive in a single day.

Currently, apart from a 10-room prefabricated temporary building constructed for security forces and emergency shelter, there are no other government structures at the Korala border. Situated at an altitude of 4,650 metres above sea level, the Korala area spans about 600 ropanis of land.

Historically, the border point remained closed after Tibetan Khampa rebels used Nepali territory during their resistance following Tibet’s incorporation into China in the 1960s. The Korala border was formally inaugurated on November 13, 2023, and has been in commercial operation since mid-September 2025.