The conclusion of the task force about the Simaltal accident: The Ledole accident occurred during random road digging

श्रावण २३, २०८१

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A task force formed by the government has concluded that two buses and passengers were swept into the Trishuli river by landslides caused by haphazardly dug rural roads. The working group has submitted its report to the Home Minister Ramesh Ukhar on Tuesday. The working group was formed under the coordination of the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chabi Rizal.

The task force has mentioned in the report that a rural road (Simaltal-Bangesal-Dumre village) has been recently dug in the hilly area above the accident site, the area has poor geography and excessive cross slope and the road has been dug without proper engineering design. It is also mentioned in the report that during the construction of the road, excessive amount of soil was thrown on the side.

It is mentioned in the report that when no retaining wall was constructed on the road, there was a landslide during heavy rains, the same landslide became the source of debris flow and the same debris flowed down through Sindure Kholsa, causing a landslide in the lower part. According to the report, the check dam and Gabin Bal, built a few years ago in Kholsa, could not withstand the pressure of the landslide and the Ledo, Gegran and debris that came with the flood caused the two vehicles crossing the road to be pushed into the Trishuli River.

"During the construction of the Simaltal Bangesal Dumregaon road section under Bharatpur-29, the overall environmental aspect is not considered," the report said. Similarly, the report pointed out that the divisional road office of Bharatpur did not take into account that the debris piled up on the road would flow down on the road when the road was cleaned by the landslide. It is observed that culverts and catch pits are not cleaned as per risk.

It is mentioned in the report that due to the lack of development of an integrated information system related to road safety, drivers are not able to predict the condition of the road and security personnel do not consider it necessary to stop the vehicle. Last June 28, at around 3:30 in the morning, Ganpati Transport bus No. 03-001 B 2495 coming from Kathmandu to Gaur and Angel Bus No. 03-006 B 1516 of Wagmati Province going to Kathmandu from Birgunj were swept away by a landslide in Sinduregaira, Simaltal, about 23 km northeast of Narayangadh. He disappeared after falling on the trident.

According to Chitwan District Administration Office, there were 65 passengers in both buses. Three passengers of the Angel bus saved their lives by swimming. The search team found 25 dead bodies from the Narayani river bank and Triveni Dam area, about 130 km below the spot. The study task force has also recommended road safety, increasing the capacity of rescue teams, relief to the families of the dead and missing.