Imports through the Tatopani border point have been suspended for the past nine days due to a massive fire that broke out in the area between Khasa and Nyalam on the Chinese side.
According to the Tatopani Customs Office, import operations have not resumed as the fire, which started late Saturday night, has yet to be fully brought under control. Smoke is still visible in the affected area, and at present only empty trucks are returning, with no goods entering Nepal.
Customs officials said the Chinese authorities have informed them that cargo movement is expected to resume from Sunday. However, goods loaded in more than 400 containers have been stranded on the Chinese side for an extended period. While some containers have already crossed into Nepal, a large number remain stuck across the border.
Before the disruption, more than 10 containers of goods were being imported daily through Tatopani. The border point is a key entry route for items such as apples, garlic, raisins, and walnuts.
