Operation of diversion in Hewa Khola in Panchathar district has not been working out due to incessant rainfall in the district resulting in disruption of traffic movement across the Hewa Khola. Passengers commuting through the Mechi Highway have been facing difficulties in lack of timely operation of diversion in the Hewa Khola.

Flood occurring on June 17 had swept away a 45-metre Bridge over the Hewa river. The Road Division Office in Ilam district has been constructing a Bailey bridge in place of the bridge that was swept away. Since the construction work would take time, diversion was being built some 100 metres above the construction site.

But the rain-triggered flood has been making it difficult in operation of the diversion. Hundreds of vehicles stranded in Phidim Municipality and Hilihang rural municipality had begun operating through the diversion since last Tuesday noon.

But much to the dismay of the locals and travelers outside the district, police in Panchthar district halted the traffic movement through the diversion since Tuesday night itself considering the risk of flood in Hewa Khola. Vehicular movement has come to a grinding halt after the flood damaged diversion on last Tuesday.

Water level in Hewa Khola has not subdued due to incessant rainfall for the past few days. Some locals and passengers are opting for tuin (rope bridge) to cross the Hewa Khola while many have not taken a chance to tread the Hewa Khola through diversion.