Balucha landslide victims living in forest

By Pushkar Bhandari,Dadeldhura, July 9: It has been two and a half years since a landslide destroyed the upper and lower parts of Balucha village in Aalitaal Rural Municipality-7, Dadeldhura district. At that time, geologists suggested relocating the settlement to other areas, citing the village’s highly susceptibility to further landslides. 

However, the relocation of the settlement has not taken place, forcing the locals to live under tents in the Chure forest area throughout the year. Making matters worse, the area has been reeling from acute water scarcity. 

The unseasonal rains in October and November 2020 further devastated the settlement.

The federal, provincial, and local governments have been asked repeatedly for the settlement's relocation. Yet, even after two and a half years of displacement caused by the landslide, no progress has been made. In November of last year, the District Natural Disaster Committee provided each family with some cash, tents, and food as relief.

Since then, the landslide victims have been residing in the nearby forest under tents. Local Mekhu Bohara stated that the problem persists. "We endured the rainy season under tents last year, but I am worried about this year," Bohora said.

In 2009, Bohara's house was swept away by a flood, and he later rebuilt it in the same area. However, the house was again washed away by a flood in 2017. Using some funds received under the name of Freed Haliya, he reconstructed the house. Unfortunately, the 2020 flood washed away both the house and the land.

"The landslides have snatched everything from us. We have nothing left," said another local Paruli Bohara. "We are concerned about where to house our children and cattle. We have been living in dilapidated houses since April, but we are even more worried about the upcoming rainy season as landslides could occur at any time."

Debudevi Saud, another local who participated in a procession demanding safe housing, expressed their plight saying, "We have been victimised. Take the initiative to remove the 'victim' label from us. Even the tents provided several years ago have torn apart. I have nowhere to go now. Provide us with a safe place wherever you can."

Farming is impossible due to the lack of land, and food scarcity is also a pressing issue. Narudevi Bohora, another local, said, "Living in a tent in a forest is not our choice. We sought assistance from the authorities."

Previously, there was a water source near the village, and locals only had to travel a short distance to fetch water for two months. However, after the landslide, residents have travel a long distance for water throughout the year. A 500-litre tank has been installed for this purpose.

However, the tank does not hold enough water even for drinking. The same water has to be used for cooking, watering cattle, bathing, and doing laundry, explained Bohora. Due to the risk of landslides, he cannot leave his house for work. "Our children attend school, and we have to wait for them to return as landslides can occur at any time."

Although the issue of Balucha village has been raised repeatedly, the Mayor of the rural municipality, Sher Singh Parki, acknowledged that it remains unresolved. He stressed the need for immediate action from provincial and federal governments to address the problem and suggested   constructing temporary houses made of zinc sheets rather than tents.

Parki also mentioned that a similar problem exists in Owa Village, emphasising the need for a solution there as well. He assured that once the rural municipality receives the budget, a temporary settlement will be established.

While the government has been relocating displaced people displaced to different areas, concerns persist regarding the relocation of the landslide victims in Balucha village.