Floods have washed away key makeshift crossings over rivers across Panchthar, a hill district of Koshi province, severing transport links and forcing vehicles to cross rivers directly, often by driving through the water.

Since early June, vehicular movement has been halted along Phidim-Hilihang road section of the Tamor Corridor after the diversion over the Hewa river was swept away. Similarly, the road connecting Phidim to Phalaute near the Nepal-India border through Nagin, Yangnam and Sidin Prangbung has remained blocked since July second week after the floods swept away diversion at Muwa stream.

The Mechi Highway, a critical lifeline linking the hill districts to Jhapa in the southern plains, has also been crippled. Daily transport disruptions occur due to repeated damage to temporary diversions over the Hewa river, which separates Phidim and Hilihang.

Vehicles are forced to rely on diversions at Dobhane Khola along Chiwabhanjyang-Chyangthapu-Tharpu section of the Hid-Hill Highway as there is no motorable bridge. Similarly, there is no alternative to using diversion at Ghumaunetar along the Phidim-Thakepung road in the district.

Key bridges at Ghumaunetar, Lungmadin and Majhitar along the Tamor Corridor were swept away by floods in June, 2023. Similarly, the bridges over the Hewa, Pheme and Muwa rivers along the Mechi Highway were destroyed by floods on September 28 last year. A prefab bridge under construction over the Hewa river along Mechi Highway collapsed on June 13 this year. The locals are forced to use poorly built diversions across the rivers risking their lives.

These damages have isolated parts of Panchthar and neighbouring Taplejung district. People of Hilihang and Yangwarak of Panchthar and various settlements of Taplejung depend on the Hewa river route for food supply and essential services. The Pheme Khola connects ward no 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Phidim Municipality with Phalelung Rural Municipality, while Dobhan Khola links ward 1 and 2 of Yangwarak Rural Municipality in Panchthar and ward 1 and 2 of Sidingwa Rural Municipality of Taplejung. Despite these being vital transport arteries, the government has yet to construct permanent bridges.

At most sites, authorities have created temporary vehicle tracks by layering stones over water-diverting humepipes. Only Ghumaunetar and Pheme Khola have slightly reinforced surfaces, yet none are built to withstand strong monsoon currents. Many of these narrow diversions can’t accommodate two-way traffic, causing long vehicle queues and risking further damage.

“The roads on either side of the Hewa river are too narrow for large vehicles to pass easily. A single truck can block the route for hours,” said Bishal Limbu, a truck driver. “If no alternatives are developed, we’re staring at a serious accident sooner or later.”

The Road Division Office in Ilam confirms that materials are being transported for reconstruction of the modular bridge at the Hewa river. Pawan Bhattarai, chief at the office, said they had already submitted permanent bridge designs to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, requesting budget approval and tender clearance.

Jurisdiction over the bridges remains split. While the federal government is responsible for constructing bridges over the Hewa river and Dobhan, others like Muwa, Pheme, Ghumaunetar and Lungmadin fall under the Koshi province.

According to Mitra Prasad Kafle, mayor of Phidim Municipality, requests to install Bailey bridges ahead of the monsoon were submitted to provincial ministers and lawmakers, but no action has been taken. “It has been nearly three years since the floods first swept away the bridges. If an alternative to the diversions is not sought soon even greater risks may arise,” he warned.

Local representatives have consistently raised the issue with both provincial and federal ministries. Lawmakers from Koshi have brought it up multiple times in the provincial assembly, yet concerned departments remain silent.

“Panchthar's only federal lawmaker Basanta Kumar Nembang has been critically ill and non-communicative for over 18 months, further limiting advocacy at the national level,” said Surya Prasad Niraula, a civil society leader. He said that the government authorities ignored the hardships faced by the local people due to the lack of bridges.