Prolonged banda in various Tarai districts and India’s unofficial blockade against Nepal has caused food shortage in remote villages in Palpa.

Local residents in Chhahara, Batase, Argali, Jhadewa, Rampur and Mityal, among other VDCs, said they are facing an acute shortage of foodstuffs for the past couple of weeks.

Rajendra Pokharel of Chhahara said the ongoing dearth of fuel to bring essential supplies from Butwal and Bhairahawa led to the shortage of foodstuffs.

He said local besinessmen are unable to supply foodstuffs to the remote villages for the past two months.

People in the area also accused local administration of not initiating efforts to address the problem and being focused on just district headquarters. Assistant Chief District Officer Bishnu Bahadur Gharti said they have not been able to reach villages to listen to people’s concerns.

Villagers also complained that traders have raised prices of essentials goods in Harthok, Somadi, Bhuwanpokhari, Jabgadi, Tahu, Mityal and Rampur citing Tarai banda, Indian blockade and fuel shortage. Bhuwan Rayamajhi of Chhahara said local authorities should control such practices.

Durga Malla of Rampur Municipality-8 said she is compelled to buy a litre of cooking oil paying Rs 300. Local traders have also increased the prices of potatoes, onions, pulses and spices, she said.

Meanwhile, Yam Bahadur Budhathoki, a medical store owner in the district, said the fuel crisis has also led to shortage of essential medicines.