There is a walk bridge over the Mahakali River near Chhangru called "Sita Pul", which allows passage between India and Nepal. Nepal used to have a customs point at this location, which was abandoned during the conflict period, and has not yet been reinstated. During the conflict period, the area was controlled by the Maoist rebels, who charged "tax" (protection money) on wildlife trafficking through the Tinkar route. Illegal animal products from India are said to have been trafficked, including tiger skins, tiger bones and parts, musk deer pouches and yarsagumba. The "Nepali Times" journalists estimated that the rebels earned Rs. 35 million annually through such "taxes". Such trafficking is still ongoing as of 2019.