Himal Press 
Photo: RSS
KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said that opening of Korala border of Mustang for bilateral trade with China will be on the agenda for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s upcoming visit to the northern neighbor.
He also said that the government was studying different options to ensure interrupted transport service on the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road.
Shrestha made the comment during an inspection visit to the flood-ravage Kagbeni settlement in Mustang district on Tuesday. After inspecting the settlement, Shrestha said that the government will prioritize the rebuilding of the Kagbeni settlement.
Kagbeni suffered significant damage from the flooded Kaagkhola stream on August 13. The flood caused damage to roadways, motorable bridges, monasteries, temples, community buildings, police posts, hotels, river embankments, and more. Preliminary estimates indicate that Kagbeni suffered losses exceeding one billion rupees due to the flooding. Over 50 houses were significantly damaged, resulting in property losses exceeding Rs 520 million, according to the local government. Among these, 29 were completely destroyed, while 15 houses experienced partial damage during the flood. The floods also claimed the lives of 24 animals.
Shrestha also said that the government will explore ways to minimize risks from water-induced depositions on the banks of the Kaligandaki River. He also mentioned that the operation of the Korola checkpoint along the Nepal-China border will be on the agenda for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s upcoming visit to the northern neighbor.
“In addition, the government is actively working to ensure uninterrupted transport services along the Beni-Jomsom-Korola road,” he said, assuring prompt reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and projects related to drinking water, electricity, and irrigation.
On the occasion, Shrestha held discussions with officials of the local government, administration, and security bodies regarding the post-disaster situation in Kagbeni.
(With inputs from RSS)
