Flood turns Palpa's historic Ranimahal area into a riverbed

Continuous flooding following rain on Asoj 11 has turned Palpa's historic Ranimahal area into a riverbed. The palace, located on the bank of the northward-flowing Kaligandaki River, has long been known as a symbol of love, drawing crowds who came to see it, take photographs and enjoy the riverbank.

Now the area around the palace is buried under sand, gravel and stones. The flood damaged business structures, roads, parking areas and transport infrastructure, affecting more than a dozen business establishments around the palace.

With tourist movement down, local businesses dependent on tourism are worried about how to resume their operations. Local stakeholders have accused the government of showing no concern for managing the damaged structures and restoring the affected area.

Tansen Municipality, however, said work is underway to remove the damaged structures at Ranimahal, and claims it is managing the area in coordination with the relevant local body.