Mustang, Nepal: The Korala border, a crucial trade and travel route between Nepal and China, continues to face operational hurdles due to inadequate infrastructure and logistical challenges. Despite the inauguration of the immigration office on Kartik 14 (October/November 2023) by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the services remain non-operational, leaving local residents and traders disheartened.
The immigration office on the Nepal side remains locked, with no clear timeline for its activation. Key facilities such as customs offices and animal and food quarantine systems are yet to be established, which are prerequisites for the effective functioning of the border. The lack of action has sparked frustration among locals, who accuse the government of neglecting the border’s potential as a gateway for economic and cultural exchange.
Impact on Local Traders and Communities
Traders operating at the border have been forced to conduct business in open fields due to the absence of proper infrastructure. "We are currently trading in open spaces, which becomes challenging during rain and storms," said Jigme Angma Gurung, a local trader. Traders typically bring daily essentials, furniture, and clothing from the Chinese side, while Nepal has potential for exporting rice, buckwheat flour, herbs, and pashmina products. However, logistical challenges and the lack of facilities have hindered trade growth.
Residents of Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities have also faced difficulties. Chairman Tashi Nyherbu Gurung of Lomanthang Rural Municipality highlighted the lack of basic amenities, including drinking water, shelter, and electricity. "Even electricity poles exist, but there is no power supply. Without proper infrastructure, the potential benefits for locals and traders are unrealized," he said.
Tourism and Religious Significance
The Korala border is not only significant for trade but also as a potential route for Hindu pilgrims traveling to Kailash and Mansarovar in Tibet. Currently, reaching Mansarovar from Korala requires covering approximately 600 kilometers. Experts believe that with operational facilities, the Korala border could become the shortest and most convenient route for pilgrims from Nepal.
In recent years, the border has also attracted domestic tourists, who visit the 24th border pillar for photographs. However, the lack of drinking water, sanitation, and lodging facilities deters longer visits. "Tourists come, take photos, and leave quickly due to the lack of infrastructure," noted a local police officer.
Missed Opportunities and Recommendations
The Korala border’s economic potential remains untapped. A two-lane dirt road now connects Jomsom to the border, but without further development, the road alone is insufficient to boost trade and tourism. A 2023 inspection by the Finance and Development Committee of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly recommended immediate actions, including providing drinking water, toilet facilities, and waste management systems.
The closure of the border during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and its partial reopening in late 2023 have further delayed economic recovery. Before the pandemic, inter-country trade fairs were held twice a year, showcasing the border’s potential as a hub for economic activities. However, such initiatives have ceased post-pandemic.
Call to Action
Stakeholders, including local representatives and traders, have urged the federal and provincial governments to prioritize infrastructure development at Korala. Immediate measures like establishing customs and quarantine facilities, deploying adequate security personnel, and ensuring electricity and drinking water supplies are critical for the border’s effective operation.
Chairman Gurung emphasized the border’s potential: "Korala could serve as a vital gateway for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. But without the necessary infrastructure, we are losing significant opportunities."
The Korala border’s operational challenges highlight a broader issue of Nepal’s underutilized trade routes. With the right investment and political will, Korala could transform into a thriving economic corridor, benefiting not only Mustang but the entire nation.
