Growing Threats Along the East-West Highway
As strong winds sweep through the Tarai region, hundreds of trees lining the East-West Highway have become serious hazards. These trees, weakened by years of exposure and recent storms, now stand precariously close to the road, posing a danger that could lead to sudden collapse at any moment.
On July 17, a sal tree fell on the Chandranigahapur-Bagmati section of the highway, causing significant disruption. Although no injuries were reported, traffic was halted for over an hour and a half. Amar Shrestha, a bakery owner who was driving from Bardibas to Chandranigahapur, narrowly avoided the falling tree. “Had the tree fallen just a few seconds later, it would have crushed a vehicle,” he said. “These trees are like ambushes waiting to strike. The government must act before it’s too late.”
Shrestha’s experience is not isolated. Ram Kumar Mishra, a bus driver on the Birgunj-Janakpur route, shared similar concerns. “Every rainy season, we drive in fear. We keep looking up, hoping nothing falls,” he said. The situation is particularly dire along the Pathalaiya-Bardibas section, where nearly a thousand trees have tilted dangerously. Overhanging branches require urgent management, and drivers must remain hyper-alert, constantly watching both the road and the sky.
The risks are real. In recent years, several people have been injured or killed by falling trees or branches. In May 2008, Dr. Gyanendra Bin of Chandranigahapur Hospital died when his motorcycle struck a tree downed by a storm. Despite such incidents, authorities have failed to take swift action. Deputy Superintendent of Police Wakil Singh, spokesperson for the Pathlaiya Highway Traffic Office, noted that trees have collapsed three times in the past month alone. Each incident caused hours of traffic disruption.
Singh urged officials to proactively manage hazardous trees. “We’ve requested road and forest officials to take action. Timely removal can prevent disaster,” he said. Local driver Bikki Thapa recounted his own narrow escape in 2022 when a sal tree fell during strong winds, hitting his hand and leaving him with minor injuries.
Authorities acknowledge the problem but cite procedural delays. Arun Kumar Lal Karna, chief of the Road Division Office in Chandranigahapur, stated that they are identifying risky trees and coordinating with the forest office for removal. However, they only proceed after receiving formal approval from the Forest Department. Forest officials, meanwhile, point to budget constraints. Hemant Sah, chief of the Division Forest Office in Chandranigahapur, said, “Without funding, we can’t take action, even if we want to.”
The lack of coordination has real consequences. On July 5, a sudden storm toppled several trees near Dhansar, requiring security personnel to work through the night to clear them. Lal Babu Giri, president of the Rautahat Bus Operators’ Association, emphasized the need for urgency. “Every year we face this—and every year we’re told it’s being handled,” he said. “It’s time the Department of Roads removes this threat permanently.”
The East-West Highway, also known as Mahendra Highway, spans nearly 1,028 kilometers, connecting Kakadbhitta in Jhapa to Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur. Over 10,000 vehicles use it daily, making safety critical for transport stakeholders. Inaugurated in 1965 by King Mahendra, the highway revolutionized trade and mobility across Nepal. However, overgrowth and official neglect now threaten its legacy.
Driver Mishra called for immediate action. “These trees need pruning, if not removal,” he said. “Why must we risk our lives for nature that’s been left unmanaged?” While local authorities promise improvements, especially with the upcoming four-lane widening, many remain skeptical. Until then, travelers along the highway must continue watching not just the traffic, but the treetops too.
