KATHMANDU, August 1

A joint team of Nepali and Chinese security forces have started clearing the blockage at Tatopani-Khadichaur section in Araniko Highway.

The road clearance task was launched on Saturday on the occasion of the 60th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. The two neighbours had set up diplomatic ties on 1 August, 1955.

A 37-km stretch in Sindhupalchowk district was blocked due to landslides caused by incessant rainfall for several days. The government had recently mandated the Nepali Army to coordinate the road clearance task with other security agencies and teams from the Chinese Armed Police to be deployed from the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China.

Engineering teams of Chinese Armed Police, Nepali Army and other security bodies of Nepal have been involved in road clearance efforts led by the Nepali Army.

According to the Department of Public Relations of Nepali Army, at least 19 engineering equipment and 20 supporting equipment from China are being used to remove the blockage. Vehicular movement has been stopped in that section of Araniko Highway that connects Nepal and China.

“The Chinese Police team has planned to work in Nepal during daytime and return to their home in Tibet to spend the night until the task is over,” the DPR said in the statement.

It is estimated that the task will be completed within 15 to 20 days, during which the Nepali Army will provide security to the Chinese team.