Negligence in the under construction Seleghat-Ramechhap-Salu-Sanghutar road project has put nine households in Tallo Besi, Sanghutar, Ramechhap Municipality–3, at risk of landslides.
Local Purnabahadur Mahat reported that while constructing the road on loose soil, the project dumped excavated earth from above the settlement without installing proper drainage, leaving it unattended. This has triggered a landslide that now threatens to engulf the entire settlement. The gabion walls installed along the road above the settlement have completely collapsed. Mahat further added that the landslide has caused cracks in the settlement’s land, and one house has already suffered damage. He said that they have informed the road project authorities, the municipality, and the District Administration Office about the situation. Because of the landslide risk, residents leave their homes and stay elsewhere during the rainy season.
Gyankumari Khadka stated that people without alternative accommodation remain in their homes despite the danger.
Ishwar Karki, the chief of the road project, explained that the problem occurred because the area has loose soil and poor drainage. He added that he has instructed the construction company to create proper drainage so that water does not flow into the settlement. The contract for the road was given to anIndian construction company, Telecommunications India Limited (TCIL). The project, which began on November 11, 2020, was scheduled for completion by May 10, 2023. According to the agreement, the construction was to be completed at a cost of Rs 1,94,71,00,000. However, as the work was not finished within the stipulated time, the company was granted an additional 17-month extension.
DC Sharma, a Representative of the construction company, stated that they are addressing the immediate problems in the road area and aim to complete the work within the scheduled time. The road, which connects Ramechhap and Okhaldhunga, has deteriorated, making transportation difficult. As a result, even ambulances face disruptions during the rainy season.