KATHMANDU: The Nepal-China northern trade transit point at Tatopani has been completely closed since Monday after a massive forest fire broke out in the Nyalam-Khasa border area on the Chinese side.
Chinese authorities have suspended all cross-border movement citing safety risks as the fire continues to spread rapidly. Movement of locals, tourists, and freight vehicles has been halted.
Rajendra Prasad Chudal, Chief Customs Officer at the Tatopani Customs Office, said the border was closed following instructions from the Chinese administration.
“There have been reports of a large forest fire between Khasa and Nyalam since Sunday night. Due to this, the border has remained closed since yesterday. There is no information yet on when the fire will be brought under control,” Chudal told MeroAuto.
He added that thick smoke has covered the sky on the Chinese side, and ash has reached Nepalese areas including the customs yard, Liping, and nearby settlements. Although imports have been suspended, the Tatopani Customs Office remains operational.
The closure has disrupted imports from China. Dozens of cargo containers heading towards China to collect goods have been stopped en route. Importers are facing uncertainty as there is no timeline for reopening the border.
