Bajhang, Aug. 22 -- Happiness knew no bounds for the locals of Toli, Pades and Thing villages in Bajhang district when their villages were connected with road network in 2016. Road connectivity for them meant unprecedented development in the region and the opening of economic prospects for the villagers.

The first vehicles to reach the villages were welcomed with much fanfare, recalls Harimal Bohara of Toli, whose front yard opened right into the newly built road.

"I was happy at the prospect of running a tea shop. I wanted to build a small stall and set up an eatery eventually. That would help me raise my children, I thought," said Bohara.

Just five months after the road in Toli came into operation, a massive landslide caused by hapha...