The Urban Development Ministry has clarified it has no plans to widen Chobhar gorge or remove its historic rock, aiming only to reduce flood risks while preserving the site’s cultural and religious significance.
nvn news
Thu Jul 03 2025
Amid growing public concern and political debate, the Ministry of Urban Development has assured that there are no plans to widen the historic Chobhar gorge or remove its ancient rock formations.
Issuing a statement on Thursday, the ministry said its efforts are focused solely on flood mitigation. The goal is to clear previously dumped waste upstream of the gorge, identify potential landslide-prone areas, and prepare a long-term action plan through technical studies.
This clarification follows a decision made during the 32nd meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee on Jestha 14, which had tasked the ministry to coordinate, if needed with the Nepali Army to manage flood risks during heavy rains around Chobhar.
The ministry stated it was compelled to respond after mixed opinions from political parties and social media created confusion among the public. It emphasized that the religious, cultural, and historical identity of Chobhar will remain untouched.
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