BANKE: “Before the rains, we used to fear our village would be submerged. But this time, with the construction of an emergency embankment, we feel a sense of relief,” said Jhindev Verma of Narainapur. Now in his sixties, Verma has witnessed many floods wash away settlements along the Rapti River.
Recalling past hardships, he shared, “We’ve had to abandon our homes and celebrate festivals in shelters. Even in my old age, I’m happy to see an embankment finally being built.”
Another local resident, Rampyari Yadav, echoed the sentiment. “Every year, the rising river made us anxious. It was unpredictable and dangerous, especially for women, children, the elderly, and pregnant women. But this year, with the embankment in place, our worries have eased.”
The emergency embankment, constructed this year to protect flood-prone communities, has redirected the flow of the Rapti River, temporarily mitigating the flood risk for around a dozen villages in Banke’s Rapti Sonari and Narainapur rural municipalities.
The previous concrete embankment was destroyed two years ago during a major flood. Due to a lack of funding, no new structure had been built since, leaving nearby communities vulnerable.
Under the People’s Embankment Program, a 400-meter-long emergency structure was completed using a combination of cement poles, bamboo, sand-filled plastic bags, and netting—a cost-effective method designed for quick response. The project was led by Dr. Narayan Subedi, who said the work was completed in a short period through round-the-clock efforts.
“Despite two years of appeals, no action was taken. But now, with this emergency effort completed in just two months, locals finally feel safe,” he added.
Residents of Khalla Jhagadiya village in Rapti Sonari-7 believe the embankment will help stabilize the river’s course and prevent erosion. Ward Chair of Rapti Sonari-6, Lav Raj Kharel, called the project a success and noted that it had brought much-needed relief to the area.
Following the completion of the embankment in Khalla Jhagadiya, construction will now begin on a permanent concrete embankment in nearby Fatepur Jaraiya. The Sai Maa Durga Vinci JV company has secured a contract worth Rs 65 million to build a 400-meter concrete structure in the area.
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