Kathmandu. After the devastation caused by the sudden flood from the Bhotekoshi river system in Nepal, it has now created a new challenge for the capital Kathmandu. Due to the disruption of the country's main supply route, the Prithvi Highway, the supply of food items, vegetables and fuel has started getting affected. The government is trying to restore supplies through alternative routes and stop black marketing in the market, but there is no definite information yet as to when the highway will open completely.
Kathmandu's supply affected due to closure of Prithvi Highway
The approximately 180 km long Prithvi Highway from Nagdhunga to Bharatpur is very important for the Kathmandu Valley. A large quantity of food items, fuel and other essential goods reach the capital through this route.
At least 19 bridges were damaged in Wednesday's floods. Apart from this, about 40 kilometers of road in Trishuli corridor and surrounding highways were washed away. According to Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, efforts are being made to open the highway as soon as possible, but its complete opening cannot be guaranteed till Friday.
Movement started on some roads, danger of closure again due to rain
According to Road Department Engineer Rajeev Manandhar, by Friday evening the Galchi stretch was opened for traffic with one-way alternating traffic. Traffic had started from both sides on Galundi-Ghatbesi-Jarekhet road.
However, these roads may have to be closed again if it rains. The work of removing mud and debris accumulated on the roads after the landslide is continuing. Earthmovers are being deployed by 5 pm. The government is also trying to deliver essential goods to Kathmandu through other alternative routes.
Arrival of vegetables in Kalimati market was 477 tonnes.
The effect of highway closure is clearly visible in the Kalimati fruit and vegetable market of Kathmandu. On Tuesday, 775 tonnes of vegetables, fruits and fish had reached the market. This quantity was 771 tonnes on Wednesday, but came down to just 477 tonnes on Thursday.
Market Development Board Information Officer Binay Shrestha said that the goods coming from Prithvi Highway are stuck on the way. The arrival of vegetables through this route has completely stopped. However, some quantity of goods is still reaching the market through other routes.
Petrol-diesel stock sufficient for 4 to 5 days
Due to disrupted road connectivity, concerns regarding fuel supply have also increased. However, Nepal Oil Corporation has given relief to the people at present. According to the corporation, the petroleum products at Thankot depot are enough to last for more than four to five days.
Corporation Deputy Director Manoj Kumar Thakur said that Prithvi Highway is expected to open during this period. Therefore, people do not need to worry about the availability of petroleum products.
Government fears black marketing
Amidst the disaster, the government also fears that some businessmen may increase the prices of goods by creating artificial shortage. The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has appealed to the people to complain about black marketing or artificial shortage in the market.
The department and local administration will monitor the markets. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has also created a coordination unit to keep an eye on disaster management coinciding with the festival season. The concerned government agencies have also been instructed to set up such units.
Heavy devastation in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
Flash floods in the Bhotekoshi river system on Wednesday morning caused huge damage in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. A large number of people have died, while hundreds of people are still reported missing. Security forces personnel and foreign tourists are also among the missing.
Private and government properties have also been damaged by the flood. Due to the breakdown of roads and bridges, relief and rescue as well as maintaining the supply of essential goods has now become a big challenge.
Consumer organizations demanded alternative supply
Consumer rights activists have demanded the government to ensure supply of essential goods through alternative routes during the crisis and take strict action against businessmen taking advantage of the disaster.
Vishnu Prasad Timilsina, general secretary of Consumer Rights Protection-Nepal Forum, said that strict action is necessary against black marketing, artificial shortage and arbitrary price increase. He says that in such difficult times, people should be confident that the government is with them and there will be no shortage of essential goods.