Deurali-Sisneri road closed due to rising water level in Kulekhani

Kathmandu. Vehicular movement along the Deurali-Sisneri road section has been closed since 4:00 pm today after the water level in the Kulekhani reservoir continued to rise due to incessant rains.

Chief District Officer of Makawanpur, Basanta Adhikari, informed that the decision has been taken to stop the movement of vehicles on both sides of the road from 4.00 pm today to 5.00 am on Monday.

According to him, the vehicular movement is to be stopped as a precaution as there may be an emergency situation arising during night time and the water has to be released from the dam.

“The decision to stop the vehicular movement on time is made as the warning siren may create fear among the drivers and passengers and some places along the road section may be at risk in case of emergency water release,” said Chief District Officer Adhikari.

According to the administration, vehicles heading towards Deurali-Sisneri via Bhainse and Sisneri-Deurali-Hetauda via Pharping of Kathmandu will also not be allowed to operate during this period. Passengers who need to travel from Kathmandu to Hetauda have been urged to use the Tribhuvan Highway. The administration has also said that vehicles should be operated on the highway only according to the timetable set by the District Administration Office.

Chief District Officer Adhikari clarified that the gates of the Kulekhani dam have not been opened at present but precautionary measures have been taken keeping in mind the possible risks. The administration has said that the situation of the reservoir and the lower riparian area is being continuously monitored.