Administrative building project increases landslide risk

By Premraj Simkhada, Kalikot, Oct. 2: The risk posed by the administrative building being constructed by Khandachakra Municipality in Kalikot is increasing, with concerns growing over the safety of the area.

A landslide that occurred while excavating the foundation of the building in February 2025 turned the main road in Manma Bazaar into a landslide-prone section. Of the 14 houses in the market area, three have already been swept away by the landslide.

Although Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal had directed the authorities to stop construction of the administrative building at the site and hand over to the municipality the building currently being used by it under the federal government, no action has been taken. 

This has further increased the dispute and risk surrounding the project.

During an on-site inspection, Minister Lamsal had directed that construction be stopped immediately, saying that building the administrative complex at the site would further increase the risk. He had also instructed the authorities to construct a retaining wall to ensure road safety.

Although the Minister had verbally promised to hand over the integrated building under the federal government to the municipality, no decision has so far come from the Council of Ministers, leaving the concerned parties uncertain.