Myagdi:Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, has expressed concern over the landslide at Phaparkhet. This persistent landslide poses a significant challenge to the Beni-Darbang road, a crucial route connecting three local levels in western Myagdi to the district headquarters, Beni.
According to National News Agency RSS, Minister Pun, who represents Myagdi in the House of Representatives, visited the Phaparkhet landslide site on the border of Beni Municipality-4 and Mangala Rural Municipality-2. During his visit on Saturday, he interacted with local residents and assessed the impact of the landslide. He also inspected the Singa-Tatopani Kunda, a natural hot spring damaged by recent flooding from the Myagdi river.
The Minister assured locals that the government is taking steps to address the safety concerns caused by the landslide, which has made travel along the route riskier. He noted that the federal government has allocated Rs 40 million for landslide control in the current fiscal year, mentioning the recent visit of Minister for Infrastructure Sunil Lamsal as part of ongoing efforts.
Minister Pun also encouraged local authorities to request the necessary budget for the reconstruction of the Singa-Tatopani Kunda, pledging federal support for these efforts. The location continues to experience dry landslides, disrupting the Beni-Darbang road and affecting connectivity to the Mangala, Malika, and Dhaulagiri Rural Municipalities.
During the visit, Myagdi’s Chief District Officer, Ganesh Gaire, briefed Minister Pun on the landslide issues and discussed potential alternatives. Additionally, Krishna Khadka, Chairperson of the Singa Tatopani Kunda Management Committee, updated the Minister on the flood damage and the temporary reopening of the hot spring, achieved through a volunteer labor campaign to clear debris.