KATHMANDU: Local residents and security personnel have joined hands to construct a temporary embankment along the Narayani River to protect Susta land and settlements from flooding and river erosion.
The water level in the Narayani has risen in recent days, increasing the risk of inundation and erosion in nearby settlements. Locals have been filling sacks with sand and soil and placing them along the riverbank to prevent floodwaters from entering the villages.
Since Wednesday, residents of Susta Rural Municipality-5, from Susta Tharu Tole to the area around the Simhal tree, known as a border landmark, have been working alongside the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force to build the temporary embankment.
The teams are filling sacks with sand and tying them together with nylon ropes in an effort to control the river flow and protect the settlement.
Ravindra Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Susta Bachau Campaign, said the local community had taken the initiative to reduce the risk of flooding and inundation. According to Jaiswal, local residents and personnel from all three security agencies have been working around the clock on the embankment.
“Our first priority now is to protect the village from flooding and river erosion,” Jaiswal said. “Until a permanent solution is found, we are building a temporary embankment using local labour and available resources.”
The issue of Susta recently drew national attention after allegations emerged that the Indian Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) had dismantled a similar temporary embankment built by local residents.
Following the incident, local residents, authorities and concerned government agencies held several rounds of discussions, after which temporary protection work was allowed to proceed.
Earlier, the Narayani Irrigation and Water-Induced Disaster Management Project in Bharatpur had prepared to begin construction of a permanent embankment through a tender process.
However, locals said the Indian side objected to the construction, citing the need for approval from higher authorities. As a result, work on the permanent structure was halted and temporary protection measures were prioritised.
In view of the increasing risk in Susta, the Narayani Irrigation Office and Nepal Gandak West Canal Irrigation Management Office have provided sacks and nylon ropes for the temporary embankment. Local residents have also arranged additional sacks, sand and ropes from their own resources to accelerate the work.
Jaiswal said construction was being continued as the river’s flow could increase further. He said additional labour and materials would be mobilised if necessary to protect the settlement.
Susta has been repeatedly affected by erosion and flooding from the Narayani River, and local residents have long been demanding the construction of a permanent embankment.
Locals say the temporary structure may provide some immediate relief, but settlements will remain at risk every monsoon unless a permanent embankment is constructed.
They have urged the government to resolve the technical and administrative complications in the border area and coordinate with the relevant authorities in Nepal and India to expedite construction of a long-term embankment.
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