Blocked roads in Doti inaccessible since 2 weeks

Rural roads in the Doti district, which were blocked due to heavy snowfall two weeks ago, have not been able to function properly. The road has been blocked due to snowfall and landslides in various sections including Samuhgadh, Kapalleki, Napani, and Gadsera.

Roads in other rural areas that were blocked due to snow and rain have not been repaired either, causing problems in traffic operation. According to the drivers, it takes at least two to three hours to reach the destination, which took half the time before, due to poor road conditions. According to Prem Bahadur Rawal, head of Shaileshwari Transport Entrepreneurs' Pvt. Ltd., the passengers are scared of traveling by vehicles due to the dangerously damaged roads.

He said, "Rain and snow have damaged the roads in the village. It has become difficult to drive due to lack of maintenance. The risk has also increased." Vehicles and passengers have been taking risks traveling on the damaged roads.

Although the condition of the road is deplorable, no one has paid attention to the maintenance, said Maya Bam, a local of Bogtan Fudsil village. He says that even the patients are suffering due to the lack of road maintenance. The condition of not only the rural roads of the district but also the main highway is deplorable.

The road is being constructed temporarily after the floods and landslides in September at Raduwa blocked the Dr. KI Singh Highway connecting the three districts.

Truck driver Prakash Malla said that it is very risky to operate heavy vehicles on the temporary road. He said, "A narrow road has been built for driving but accidents could occur at any time. We are forced to drive by risking our lives."

There is a competition to construct roads everywhere in the district but when the roads get damaged, no one wants to take the responsibility of repairing them. Drivers say that the risk of accidents has also increased due to untimely maintenance of rain-damaged roads.