Korala border in Mustang comes into operation after four years

Published On: November 13, 2023 02:30 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Nov 13: A temporary structure has been built for the shelter of security personnel on the Nepal side of the Korala border in Lo Manthang Rural Municipality of Mustang, which is ready for re-operation after four years.

China has built infrastructure for container facilities on Nepali land in the ‘Dasgaja’ area under the guidance of Lomanthang People's Representative and Armed Border Out Post (BOP). Chief District Officer of Mustang Janakraj Pant said that the structures will be inaugurated at 10 am on Monday.

Chairman of Lo Manthang Rural Municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung, said that five prefab containers with 20 feet length and 10 feet width windows and doors that can be seen out of the glass have been installed.

“The Korala border has a permanent structure towards China. It was not in Nepal. China has provided prefab containers for Nepali security personnel and customs officials at the border crossing at a height of more than 4,000 meters at the request of Nepal,” he said. According to him, up to 10 people can fit in a container that can hold four beds.

The security team and tourists to Korala will be able to take shelter in case of bad weather in the container provided by China. Customs transactions and checks have been prepared from the Lo Manthang-2 Nechung office. Preparations have been made for the operation of the Korala border crossing from Monday.

Chief District Officer of Mustang Janakraj Pant said that residents of Lo Manthang and Loghekar Damodar Kund Rural Municipality will be allowed to travel on the basis of identity cards. During the visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in September, China said that it is preparing to operate 14 trade points in Nepal including Korala.

People's representatives and security officials of Mustang and China's autonomous region of Dhongwasen held talks for four times on border operation and management. After the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the border has been completely closed since 2076 BS. Before that, there was an international trade fair held twice a year at Korala crossing.

During the preparations for the operation of the checkpoint, more than 1,000 people of Lo Manthang and Loghekar Damodar Kund Rural Municipality have been distributed 'Departure and Entry Permits for Residents of the Nepal-China Border Area'.

"Citizens who have an entry pass will be able to travel to and from China at any time," Pant said.