A massive wildfire burning since Sunday night in forest areas along China’s border near Nylam and Khasa has yet to be brought under control, keeping the Tatopani border point closed.
Sindhupalchok Chief District Officer Ram Krishna Adhikari said the Chinese administration informed Nepali authorities that the crossing cannot be operated as the fire in the Nylam–Khasa corridor and the Chhobin area remains uncontrolled.
The fire spread towards the upper forested areas above Liping in ward 2 of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, forcing the Tatopani crossing to shut again. The border had been opened for a single day on Wednesday to allow stranded vehicles heading to the old Khasa market to return to Nepal.
Police Inspector Jagat Bahadur Rai at Kodari Area Police Office said about 150 local drivers were allowed to enter China at 8:19am on Wednesday. “The fire between Khasa and Nylam has not been controlled, and nearby residents have reportedly been relocated. As a result, the border that had been opened for a day was closed again on Thursday,” he said.
Nearly 400 containers bound for China remain stranded due to the closure, adding to the concerns of traders and importers. Public movement through the Tatopani crossing was also temporarily halted. Authorities said cross-border movement has been affected as the customs system on the Chinese side is not operational because of the fire.
Officials said a decision on resuming regular movement will be taken only after the Chinese customs system is fully restored. Rai said the Chinese side has informed that helicopters are being used to douse the fire and carry out inspections, as flames are still visible in upper areas beyond Liping.
Locals have warned that the fire could spread further to the hilltops above Liping and around the Kharani Pokhari area. They said the blaze is active in forests near Bagam, a ridge area about a 10-hour walk from the Friendship Bridge.
Residents said herders are worried that grazing grounds could be destroyed as the wildfire spreads in the border forests. Chinese security personnel have also said flames are visible in upper areas above the Tatopani crossing. The impact of the fire has disrupted all communication services across the border.