Three days after the Leuti River flooding compromised a 500-meter section of the Koshi highway, Dhankuta district, Nepal, officials have yet to initiate reconstruction efforts. This delay has disrupted transport, leaving over thirty vehicles carrying vegetables to the Tarai districts immobilized, resulting in perishable goods starting to decay.
Shiva Nanda Sah, a Damak-based supplier stalled on the highway, noted escalated losses due to heat exposure, stating, "I have already thrown loads of kilograms of vegetables worth around Rs 100,000 into the Leuti River as they rotted due to scorching heat." Approximately $747. With no resolution timeline, vehicles have now formed a lengthy queue.
The district's Road Division Office anticipates a few more days before road repairs commence. As the perishables spoil, suppliers like Rajesh Sah have resorted to employing local porters to traverse the blocked sections, ensuring delivery to the Tarai districts. This workaround has driven up costs for suppliers.
According to Mahendra Gurung of Sidhuwa Multipurpose Cooperative Organization, 14 vehicles headed for India from Dhankuta and Terhathum were also impacted, with the damages amounting to Rs 22,00,000 or approximately $16,472. Consequently, spoiled produce has been discarded in the Leuti River.
The District Agriculture Development Office has advised local farmers to delay harvesting until the highway is operational again.
Source: My Republica
