Villages Near Lipulekh Cut Off from Road and Communication Networks

Residents of Chhangru and Tinker villages in Byas Rural Municipality, Darchula, are grappling with severe hardships following the disruption of travel and communication services, underscoring the gap between Nepal’s territorial claims in the region and the government’s failure to develop basic infrastructure.

The villages, situated at an altitude of around 3,200 meters above sea level near the tri-junction with India and China, have been cut off since a landslide in Chhangru on August 13 washed away sections of the foot trail and disrupted communication lines, forcing the locals to rely on routes through the Indian territory.

With foot trails blocked, locals say they are forced to rely on a nearby Indian pass to move between settlements. Residents also fear difficulties in their seasonal migration to lower lands in November–December when they migrate to avoid the harsh winter conditions.

“It has become difficult even to transport food supplies. Locals are surviving on old stocks, and if roads are not restored soon, a food crisis is imminent,” said Ward No 1 Secretary Binod Singh Budhathoki.

Health risks have also intensified. “If anyone here falls ill, there is no way to take them to the nearest healthcare facilities,” Budhathoki added.

Tinkar village has been without telephone service for the past three weeks, with residents relying on security personnel’s equipment to send messages. Although Nepal Telecom’s service in Chhangru remains functional, Tinkar’s 70 households are entirely cut off, said Birendra Tinkari.

Astik Tinkari, another local resident, confirmed that Tinkar village has been left without telephone services for the last three weeks. He said that the locals like him are compelled to use security personnel's communication equipment just to send messages to their relatives.    

Security posts of the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police are stationed at Chhiyalek, but even they face mobility challenges. Local officials stressed the urgency of government action.

“Food for locals and security personnel must be transported through roads built within Nepal’s territory. A road must be constructed through our own land,” said Ward Vice-Chairperson Binod Singh Kunwar.

Kunwar expressed frustration that while Nepal repeatedly raises the border issue, basic needs of citizens remain unmet. “The border issue is stirred time and again, but locals continue to suffer in silence,” he said.

Tourism activist Himalaya Bhatta echoed the sentiment, stressing that infrastructure development is not only a livelihood issue but also a matter of reinforcing Nepal’s presence in contested areas. “Development works will make Nepal’s presence visible on the ground, thereby substantiating the country’s ownership,” he said.

Currently, temporary wooden bridges have been erected over the Nampa and Tinker rivers, and some sections of the damaged foot trail have been reopened. However, Ward No 1 Chairperson Ashok Singh Bohora noted that the routes are unsuitable for transporting livestock or large supplies. -- RSS