Over Rs 2.06 Billion Worth of Physical Infrastructure Damaged in Koshi Province

Biratnagar, October 5 (Asoj 19).
The Koshi Province government has reported that continuous rainfall on Asoj 18 and 19 caused damage worth more than Rs 2.06 billion to physical infrastructure across the province.

According to data jointly released by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development and the Ministry of Energy, Drinking Water, and Irrigation, projects under the Physical Infrastructure Development Ministry alone suffered losses worth Rs 1.98 billion, while water supply and irrigation projects under the Energy, Drinking Water, and Irrigation Ministry incurred damages exceeding Rs 80 million.

The most affected districts include Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, Jhapa, and Okhaldhunga. In Panchthar alone, the loss has been estimated at Rs 420 million, followed by Rs 47.5 million in Taplejung and Rs 112.5 million in Okhaldhunga, according to the ministry.

Out of 73 roads across the province, 44 have been completely obstructed, while 29 have sustained partial damage. Similarly, among 23 bridges, 12 have been completely destroyed, and 20 out of 29 suspension bridges have been rendered unusable.

Meanwhile, the Koshi Province Disaster Management Committee has decided to take concrete steps for relief distribution, reconstruction, and the restoration of essential services. The committee has formed a three-member high-level task force comprising Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Ram Bahadur Magar, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Bhupendra Rai, and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Bhandari.

The government has also decided to immediately release funds to affected districts through the District Disaster Management Committees. According to the decision, Rs 2.5 million for Ilam, Rs 1 million for Jhapa, and Rs 500,000 each for Panchthar, Morang, and Sunsari will be provided to support emergency repair, temporary housing, and other immediate relief efforts.