KATHMANDU, Sept 27: The government authorities have closed vehicular movement along Deurali-Sisneri road section of Kathmandu-Hetauda Highway since 4 PM on Sunday as citing the rise after the water level in the Kulekhani (Indrasarovar) reservoir reaches alarming level.
Basanta Adhikari, chief district officer of Makwanpur, said the movement has been suspended till 5 AM on Monday.
The water level has risen sharply following overnight rainfall, prompting authorities to urge residents in downstream areas to remain alert amid concerns over the potential risk from rapidly increasing water levels.
Hetauda-Kulekhani-Kathmandu road closed for maintenance work
As per the records of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the reservoir's water level had been increasing by around 1 to 2 centimeters per hour until Saturday night. In response to the rising inflow, the Kulekhani project has been operating at full capacity to release excess water from the reservoir.
However, the rate of increase accelerated significantly after overnight rainfall. The water level reached 1,525.37 meters by 6:00 AM Sunday, while the reservoir has a maximum storage level of 1,530 meters.
Rainfall in the reservoir’s catchment area was recorded at around 11 millimeters per hour, while the reservoir level is rising by approximately 22 to 23 centimeters per hour.
According to Adhikari, they took the decision to halt the vehicles movement rather than activating the siren system citing the possibility that the siren sound could terrify the drivers and local people. He urged people living in downstream settlements to exercise caution, warning that the risk could increase if the water level continues to rise at the current pace.
Adhikari also advised downstream communities to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.
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