KATHMANDU: Trans-boundary Rivers of South Asia (TROSA), a project carried out targeting the community on the bank of the Mahakali River, has been handed over to the local government and the community.

The TROSA, a five-year regional project funded by the Government of Sweden, was handed over to the chiefs of the local government and the representatives of the community who participated in a two-day workshop organized in Dhangadhi.

This projected had been launched five years ago targeting the community living on the bank of the Mahakali River that flows through Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura and Kanchanpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Nepali Congress Central Working Committee member and founder of Rural Women Development and Unity Center (RUWDUC) Dr Arzu Rana Deuba suggested to form a commission and work for the community on the bank of the Mahakali River bordering with India.

She further said the five-year project has brought significant changes in the community living on the bank of the Mahakali River.

National Director of the project Krishna Kumar Shrestha said, the programs and activities of the project have created awareness among the community and have been encouraged to work to ensure and establish their rights to water.

The project has effectively worked towards minimizing the damage caused by the floods and inundation of the Mahakali River ever year.
An early flood warning system has been installed at Rangun in Dadeldhura to this end and rafting has been operated in some sections of the river.

This project is also carrying out programs in India, Myanmar and Bangladesh aside from Nepal. Stakeholders reviewed the achievements of the project in the workshop.