Mahakali rises, four-wheelers stopped at Banbasa bridge; Dhauliganga silt clearance postponed

As the flow of the Mahakali River rose in Kanchanpur, four-wheeled vehicles have been stopped from crossing the Banbasa bridge that connects to India. Three days of continuous rain caused the river's flow to rise.

According to Tek Rawat, information officer at the District Police Office, Kanchanpur, once the flow reached about 198,000 cusecs, four-wheeled vehicles traveling between Nepal and India were stopped, given the safety risk to the old Sharada Barrage. Cargo and passenger four-wheelers are routinely stopped at the Gaddachowki-Banbasa border point once the flow exceeds 100,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, the silt-clearing program scheduled for Asoj 11 and 12, which involved releasing water from India's Dhauliganga Dam, has been postponed. The Indian side decided not to open the dam for now, as releasing additional water would increase risk in downstream areas.

Ashish Joshi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Dharchula, India, said the high water level could cross the danger threshold, and he has sent a letter to the Dhauliganga power station asking it to set another date. Bartaraj Poudel, Chief District Officer of Darchula, said the Indian side will give notice again before opening the dam. According to him, snowfall is occurring in Tinkar, Chhangru and Khandeshwari.

Due to landslide risk, short- and long-distance public vehicles in the hill districts of Sudurpashchim will remain closed until Monday morning. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, thunderstorms with rain are likely at many locations in the hilly and Himalayan regions of Sudurpashchim today. The department also said heavy rain is possible at one or two locations in Sudurpashchim, and windstorms at a few locations in the Tarai.