Operators of jet boats lament the absence of infrastructure

Because the regulatory authorities have not taken the required steps to allow jet boat operations, which have been a draw for both domestic and foreign tourists, boat operation in the Saptakoshi River is difficult due to the poorly managed canal.

The river’s navigation was seriously disturbed by last year’s monsoon floods, which resulted in obstructions above the Trisule Ghagi area in Barahakshetra-1. According to Captain Sujan Shrestha, obstructions caused by rocks carried by floods and landslides have made navigation dangerous. Jet boat operations will continue to be difficult until these obstacles are removed, he said.

Jet boat services might be able to reach Dolalghat in Kavre if the government removes the boulders from the river.

According to Bimal Man Shrestha, an entrepreneur who owns the Barahakshetra Water Transport and Tourism Service Pvt. Ltd., jet boats were initially launched in Nepal on the Saptakoshi River, but companies have encountered numerous problems as a result of the governments’ lack of interest at all levels.

In addition to interfering with boat operations, the difficulties have impacted tourism promotion initiatives in the area, which has an effect on numerous other businesses in the area.

For a fee of Rs. 700 per person, the jet boat service offers both visitors and residents a handy way to get from Chatara to Halede in Bhojpur in about 20 minutes. Operators have, however, consistently called for the construction of a suitable jet boat station, but their demands have gone unanswered.

The Barahakshetra Water Transport and Tourism Service currently only has one jet boat in service; other boats have been grounded because of the clogged rivers. According to Captain Shrestha, operations would be able to reach as far as Dolalghat if the rocks were cleared.

Before reboarding for safer sections of the river, passengers are occasionally dropped off to walk around hazardous portions.

Floods interrupted the waterway during the monsoon, requiring operators to drop off passengers in blocked locations for safety concerns, Shrestha added. After taking the boat from Chatara Ghat to Trisule, travelers walk for five minutes to Barahakshetra Temple before getting back on the boat to Kopche, Bhojpur.

Navigating around Trisule Ghagi is especially difficult when there are guests on board, according to jet boat operator Dinesh Khawas. He went on to say that operations will run much more smoothly and safely for travelers once the blocked areas are removed.

Only three jet boats—of the eight firms that provide water transport services on the Saptakoshi River—are now in use, with only one, “Can-1,” functioning consistently.

With a budget of Rs. 1 million, the Water Transport Office has started work to remove the obstacles in the waterway. A crew headed by engineer Babu Sahab Kumar Baitha has been inspecting the area and removing rocks since mid-January, according to Barahakshetra-1 Ward Chairperson Kisan Thapa.

Residents of Bhojpur, Udayapur, and Dhankuta now find that water transportation is a rapid and effective way to go around. However, there hasn’t been enough governmental monitoring, even with sporadic conversations about safety and upkeep.

The absence of adequate jetties and maintenance facilities is a source of grievance for operators. Bimal Man Shrestha noted that the lack of infrastructure and clear waterways puts jet boat investments of up to Rs. 30 million at risk. The absence of a water boat station, which is washed away by the annual flood, was another grievance raised by the business owners. For them, it has become a serious and ongoing issue.