The western border point with India in Kanchhanpur, district, Gaddachauki, will remain completely closed from March 24 at 7 am onwards to indefinitely.

The District Administration Office took the decision on Sunday to this effect after the request of the Bhimdutta Municipality in Kanchanpur in view of prevention of COVID-19.

Bhimduttanagar Municipality Mayor Surendra Bista explained that the step was taken as a preventive measure against the flu-like infection that has grown to be pandemic worldwide. Gaddachauki receives the highest number of visitors among other border points in the Sudurpaschim State during the Bishu Festival.

Mayor Bista further said that health examination desk set up at this border point would be made further effective. Adequate human resources have been assigned at the border point to keep record of the persons entering Nepal.

The other border points in Kanchanpur have already been shut down.

Similarly, as many as 1000 Nepali citizens entering Birgunj via Indian bordering town of Raxual by vehicles were stranded in Raxual due to the Janata Curfew called by the government of India today from 9 am to 7 pm to stop the spread of COVID-19. Some Nepalis however entered Nepal through this border point on foot today.

The Raxual Administration said that the stranded Nepalis would be released after the curfew is lifted. The border point today recorded around 1000 Indian nationals returning to Raxual via Birgunj.

Nepali Army personnel have been mobilized in various border points including one of the major border points in Birgunj to examine the health of those entering Nepal. High alert has been maintained in the places bordering India as a preventive measure.