The Dudhkoshi River, which connects Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality–2 and 4 in Solukhumbu, has been blocked after a debris-laden flood from the Sikhu stream submerged an under-construction concrete bridge. This has created a lake stretching nearly one kilometer.
The bridge, being constructed under the Koshi Province Government’s multi-year plan to connect Solukhumbu with Khotang along the Kangel Batti–Bade Jubu road section, was swept away by the flood from the Sikhu stream. According to former Provincial Assembly member Uttam Basnet, the flood, carrying mud and stones, inundated a major portion of the bridge, obstructing the flow of the Dudhkoshi River.
He mentioned that half of the bridge had already been damaged by floods a few days ago, and last night’s flood further worsened its condition. The bridge’s pillars have also been affected.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer (CDO) Anoj Kumar Ghimire stated that although the Dudhkoshi was temporarily blocked due to the flood, the water flow was restored with the help of local authorities, and the situation is now normal. He urged locals to remain alert.
Thulung Dudhkoshi-2 Chairman Yujan Basnet said that a stretch of over one kilometer of the Dudhkoshi River has been filled with water. The flood from the Sikhu stream obstructed the river’s flow, blocking the Dudhkoshi.
He explained that the Sikhu stream swollen by incessant rains on July 10 carrying large boulders and sediment, deposited sand and stones along the riverbanks, creating a one-kilometer-long lake
“The flood has damaged some farmland along the riverbanks,” he said, “However, since settlements are not nearby, there is no immediate risk of major human casualties.”
An 86 MW hydropower project located in the same area is also at risk.
The river has turned into a lake-like state, and the submerged bridge has formed a dam-like obstruction. There is still a risk of the Dudhkoshi being completely blocked due to landslides in Ward-4. Chairman Basnet informed that concerned authorities have already been notified about the incident.
“The bridge is submerged, with water flowing over it. At night, the river was completely blocked,” he said, “The bridge’s pillars are damaged, making reconstruction challenging.”
The Dudhkoshi’s water level is rising, posing risk to the powerhouse of the 86 MW Solukhola-Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project.
The bridge, whose construction began in 2076 BS under the provincial government’s budget of over Rs 150 million, had been stalled for a long time due to budget crunch.
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