Preparations to reopen snow-blocked Narapass-Hilsa road within three days

Snow clearance work has been intensified with a target of reopening the Narapass-Hilsa section of the Karnali corridor, which was closed by heavy snowfall, within three days.

Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal gave this information via social media on Friday. According to him, a divisional team from the ministry has been deployed to clear snow under risky conditions.

Traffic has come to a halt on the road after thick snow accumulated in the Naurpani area, at an altitude of about 4,500 meters above sea level. Necessary equipment and workforce have been mobilized there.

Minister Lamsal said top priority has been given to reopening the road to make it easier for Nepalis who crossed the Hilsa border point to work in Taklakot, China, to return home for the festivals.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the Himalayan region will generally be cloudy today, with a chance of light to moderate rain or snowfall with thunder in a few places. The department said light rain or snowfall is possible tomorrow in one or two places in the Himalayan regions of Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.

According to the department, the country currently has a partial effect of westerly winds, and a partial effect of a westerly low-pressure system may continue through today. In Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, temperatures are expected to reach 30 to 32 degrees Celsius today, with a 10 percent chance of light rain with thunder, the department said.