बेनी–जोमसोम
MYAGDI, OctOber 3
Volunteer youths have launched a labor donation campaign to ease pedestrian travel along the disrupted Beni–Jomsom road section, which serves as a crucial route for residents of Raghuganga and Annapurna Rural Municipalities in Myagdi, as well as Mustang locals, pilgrims, and tourists.
On Friday, a team of youth volunteers led by Prakash Poudel from Beni installed wooden ladders and hanging ropes at hazardous stretches in the Rahupare and Kunauta areas. According to campaign coordinator Poudel, the 15-member group spent the entire day clearing trees and branches that were obstructing pedestrian movement.
“Until road repairs are complete and vehicular traffic resumes normally, we have initiated this volunteer campaign to assist passengers who have no choice but to reach their destinations on foot,” said Poudel. “We mobilized volunteers through appeals on Facebook and outreach to friends to create a safer and easier environment for people commuting along the road.”
Following heavy rains last week, floods and landslides severely disrupted the Myagdi section of the Beni–Jomsom road, making even walking difficult in several places. The 33-kilometer stretch from Beni to Kavrebhir—which accommodated thousands of vehicles daily until a week ago—has been damaged extensively by landslides, erosion from the Kali Gandaki River, and flash floods. In some areas, the paved road has been completely washed away, leaving no trace behind.
Until repairs are completed, walking along this route remains the sole alternative for stranded tourists, pilgrims, business owners, and local residents in Mustang needing to travel for essential work. However, the trek remains hazardous and difficult.
Meanwhile, the Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road Project reported that maintenance has been completed at 41 out of 46 recently damaged sites.
Project Chief Tejashwi Sharma stated that repair work is currently underway at Tilkenichaur, Khambhitta, and Bhurung Tatopani sections in Myagdi. Sharma added that work has been intensified on a war footing to dispatch machinery, fuel, and workers to clear remaining sections and reopen the strategic road connecting to the Korala border post as quickly as possible.
