Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2 Liping, which was swept away by floods last October, will close the Tatopani bridge to install a belay bridge. According to the informal discussion between the Nepali and Chinese officials, preparations are being made to close the border crossing from January 6 to 25.
Chief District Officer Kiran Thapa said that the time schedule for closing the border crossing has been made for about 15/20 days. "There is a government holiday in China around the Chinese Lhosar Festival, closing the border at that time will reduce the impact on business on both sides," he said. Chinese New Year begins on January 29. At that time, it is customary to celebrate Tibetan Lhosar for 15 days. The Nepal side has prepared to close the border by covering that opportunity.
Amit Shrestha, head of the Charikot road division office, said that currently, the Humepipe is being installed to connect Liping and Larcharma roads. "Last October, the Liping river and the flood of Bhotekoshi washed away the motorable bridge, Belibijr, Larcharma road is still intact, Belibridge is going to be installed in Liping," he said. Chief Shrestha says that since there is no alternative road to connect the border, there is no other option but to close the land route.
The Chinese container business is preparing to issue a notification not to carry goods around Lhosar. According to the businessman, the transporters and business centers have been instructed by the government. While efforts were being made to open the border after the earthquake, aftershocks and floods, on June 21, 2073, the flood of Bhotekoshi swept away 80 houses along the road and border, and the Kodari highway became a disaster.
In the year 2074, Larcha's motorbike manufactured by a Chinese company was blocked by a landslide and flowed into the Bhotekoshi river. Shortly thereafter, the bailey bridge was installed. The Liping Bridge connecting Liping Bazar, which was only damaged in previous monsoons, was completely swept away by the floods in the Liping River last October. The mountains here, weakened by the 2072 earthquake and aftershocks, are not intact. Landslides are often damaged during monsoons.
