KANCHANPUR: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak today said that the Nepali Army has been tasked with constructing dams ahead of the heavy rains to safeguard settlements along the banks of the Mahakali River.
During a visit to the dam construction site in Bhimdatta Municipality-12, Kanchanpur, Minister Lekhak said the government has made a special decision to assign this responsibility to the army in order to address the longstanding flood problems faced by riverside communities.
“The settlements along the Mahakali River have been at flood risk for years. That is why the Ministry of Home Affairs is working closely with the army to protect these areas. Dam construction will not be delayed due to budget constraints; the government will ensure the necessary funds are provided to safeguard the settlements,” he stated.
Last year, floods destroyed 260 meters of the dam, causing the river to flow dangerously close to residential areas. The government subsequently declared the area a disaster-hit zone after several settlements in Bhimdatta and Dodhara Chandani Municipalities were endangered.
Minister Lekhak emphasized that the army is responsible for constructing the dam, prioritizing river control and community protection, especially after a four-lane bridge and nearby settlements were put at risk.
“The government is committed to building the dam with high priority and ensuring the problem is resolved permanently,” he added. He also directed the construction team to complete quality work within the scheduled timeframe.
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