Ranchi/Jamshedpur: Travel operators across the state are staring at losses ahead of Durga Puja as holidaymakers, pilgrims and trekkers cancel Nepal bookings following deadly flash flood and landslides in the Himalayan nation.Travel agencies in Ranchi have reported 60% to 70% cancellations of pre-booked packages and transport scheduled between late Sept and Oct. The impact has spread to Jamshedpur and Kolhan, where trips were planned for the nearly 10-day Puja break.The disaster, which has killed hundreds and left many missing, has triggered fear among families. Nepal is popular for its affordability, proximity, cultural links and appeal as a first international destination.Ashutosh Thakur, operations manager at a travel agency, said, “Many people think of starting their international travel with Nepal as it is cost-effective and close. The recent devastation has also proved to be a setback for tourists who were planning their first international trip.”Tour operator Amit Roy said, “Durga Puja is our peak season for international bookings, and Nepal accounts for a major chunk of budget travel.”“With reports coming in about severe natural damage and ongoing rescue operations, families are opting out. People do not want to risk their safety, especially when travelling with children and elderly relatives. We are currently processing massive refund requests, which has put a severe strain on our liquidity,” Roy added.In Jamshedpur, uncertainty is hurting business. “Bookings for Nepal had picked up well for Oct, particularly for families planning holidays during Durga Puja. But after the disaster, several customers have either cancelled or asked us to shift their bookings to other destinations. For small operators, this is a serious financial setback,” said city-based tour operator Md Samim.Operator Soni Kumari said, “People are repeatedly calling to know whether Nepal will be safe in Oct. We cannot give them a guarantee when the situation is still evolving. Many are therefore choosing to cancel rather than take a risk with their families.”Trekkers from Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Chaibasa and other parts of Kolhan are also shelving plans. Rahul Verma, who had planned a friends’ trip to the Annapurna region, said, “Several popular trekking trails, access roads and base camps are either cut off or facing severe landslide threats. Security and ground stability are paramount in mountain terrain, so we have aborted all plans until normal conditions return.”Sakchi resident Soma Halder said her family cancelled despite losing the advance. “After watching videos of the disaster and reports suggesting that more natural hazards may occur in the Himalayan region, we no longer feel comfortable taking children and elderly family members there,” she said.Operators are suggesting Sri Lanka, southern India and other destinations. Ramesh Kumar said shifting bookings could help customers avoid losing advances and protect small operators from a bigger financial hit.Destination weddings have also been affected. Loha Singh of Bistupur cancelled his son’s Nov wedding in Nepal, a package worth nearly Rs 1 crore, according to a Sonari-based event group. Rahul from the group said, “Nepal is a favourite destination for weddings for people from the Hindi-speaking belt, but now people will think twice. We face huge losses in the coming months.”
