Locals in the Kodari area launched a protest on Saturday, accusing authorities of ignoring the growing threat posed by repeated floods and landslides along the section of the road connecting China from Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality–2.

Despite multiple warnings in recent months about the road narrowing and sections sinking due to landslides, officials did not respond, prompting affected residents to completely halt vehicle movement in the Eco Area. As the Kodari stretch continues to shrink, around 70 households in Chauki Danda, Milan Bazaar, Lalbir Chowk, Kodari Gumba, Kudung, Takpasa, Tartung, Kyusa, Chermang, Damar and Tamang Gumba face serious danger.

“The road has remained in the same dire condition for years. As the upper section collapses, the entire village is at risk. We are living in constant fear,” said local resident Sete Sherpa.

Continuous monsoon rains had already made travel perilous along several points of the 26km Kodari Highway, where subsidence has worsened significantly.

With locals now blocking the highway in the Eco Area, dozens of containers cleared from China for customs processing have been stuck in Liping.

In a letter submitted to Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, Tatopani Customs Office, Area Police Office Kodari, Armed Police Force Base, Customs Security and the Assistant District Administration Office Charikot, affected residents stated that the shrinking highway, high risk to settlements and government indifference towards landslide-control measures remain the core issues.

Although a technical team carried out a risk assessment, locals say no measures have been implemented, leaving the village fully exposed.

The victims’ committee said it was compelled to unite after witnessing no concrete action even after the monsoon ended. It has demanded immediate safety arrangements in high-risk zones, landslide-control works, protection of the highway and settlements, and implementation of commitments previously made by authorities concerned.

Locals and travellers have expressed frustration as the Baseri–Liping road—repaired and blacktopped at a cost of billions—has deteriorated back to its earlier condition.