The ongoing expansion of several major highways in Nepal, including Nagdhunga-Naubise, Naubise-Mugling, Mugling-Pokhara, and Narayanghat-Butwal, has raised concerns among citizens regarding safety and environmental conditions. While these projects aim to improve infrastructure and boost connectivity, the current state of these routes is causing distress for daily commuters and local residents.
Pollution and Health Hazards
The most visible consequence of the construction work is the pervasive dust pollution. These roads, essential for linking key regions of Nepal, have turned into dusty, hazardous stretches. The lack of effective dust control measures, such as regular water sprinkling, has worsened air quality in the surrounding areas. People living in towns and villages near these highways, as well as those who travel through them, are facing increased respiratory issues, eye irritations, and other health problems.
Traveling Risks
In addition to the dust, the poor condition of the roads during expansion poses significant safety risks. Temporary diversions are often uneven, unpaved, and poorly marked, leading to frequent accidents. Landslides during the rainy season further compound the dangers. Many travelers describe their journeys as nerve-wracking, with high risks of collisions, especially in high-traffic areas like Naubise and Narayanghat.
Impact on the Local Economy
The long, dusty drives not only affect health but also tourism, which is a vital industry for areas like Pokhara and Chitwan. With travel conditions deteriorating, both domestic and international tourists are increasingly wary of taking these routes. Local businesses, particularly those reliant on highway traffic for revenue, are feeling the pinch as fewer people are willing to endure the uncomfortable and unsafe trips.
Need for Better Management
Despite these hardships, road expansion projects are undeniably crucial for the country’s development. However, more emphasis is needed on mitigating the immediate negative impacts of these projects. Measures like strict dust control, clear signage, better traffic management, and ensuring safer diversions could vastly improve the situation. While the expansion projects promise long-term benefits, the current challenges must be addressed to safeguard public health and safety in the short term.
The people of Nepal await a time when these highways not only symbolize progress but also a safe and comfortable journey, free from the suffocating clouds of dust and fear of accidents. Until then, citizens continue to suffer, caught between the need for infrastructure development and the harsh realities of its implementation.
