Tame Swollen Rivers

The monsoon, an annual climatic phenomenon, exerts a profound impact on landscapes, agriculture, environment and ways of life. Its arrival replenishes water, rejuvenates the soil, and supports agriculture. However, this blessing can quickly turn into a curse as rains trigger floods and landslides. This interplay between nature's bounty and destruction tests the resilience of communities. The monsoon highlights the delicate balance between human civilisation and the uncontrolled power of nature, urging us to harness its potential while preparing for its unpredictability. As the monsoon's downpour intensifies, the Koshi River once again unleashes its fury upon settlements along its banks. In response to a recent surge in water levels, all 56 doors of the Koshi Barrage had to be opened, releasing an astonishing 462,345 cusecs of water. While this step has mitigated immediate threats, those living alongside the river remain haunted by past tragedies and the looming possibility of embankment failure. 

The legacy of Koshi's wrath spans generations, with tales of lives lost, homes demolished, and dreams submerged beneath its turbulent waters. Nepal's greatest river serves a dual purpose: nurturing the land it flows through while inflicting destruction that transcends borders. Known as "the Sorrow of Bihar," it is vital to recognise that this tragedy is equally shared by Nepal's central region. The flood-ravaged communities, dependent on farmlands and livestock, grapple not only with economic devastation but also emotional loss. Barahakshetra, Mahendranagar, Prakashpur, and others have endured repeated blows, painting a grim picture of the areas trapped in helplessness. The floods -- that trigger both economic disasters and humanitarian crises — further exacerbate poverty. Beyond the immediate flood zone, the economic repercussions reverberate through Nepal's already fragile social structure. Compounding the issue is the Koshi River's unpredictable behaviour. Its ever-shifting course, along with debris accumulation, escalates flood risks. 

The river's instability breeds perpetual fear among those who have built their lives along its banks. Due to the 1954 agreement, which limited Nepal to an advising role and gave India executive responsibility, the Koshi Barrage plays an important role in this crisis. This disparity has an impact on timely barrage operations and the vulnerability of downstream settlements. Therefore, it is time for a re-evaluation, one that promotes a fair collaboration that makes use of both countries' advantages to proactively control flood risks. Recent devastating floods in Mustang and Bardiya also emphasise the need for swift action by relevant authorities for urgent relief and rehabilitation. The victims of the monsoon fury cannot endure delays; lives lost, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered underscore the urgency for preparation, cooperation, and action. 

It is the responsibility of the governments of Nepal and India to change the story, making the "Sorrow of Bihar" a tale of resiliency and collaboration. Let us heed the lessons etched in the heartache of the past and create a future where the Koshi River no longer divides but unites us in a shared commitment to safeguard lives and livelihoods. The choice is clear: collaborate to mitigate or continue to suffer the merciless might of the monsoon floods. The people along the Koshi River deserve more than flashy headlines. They deserve an enduring promise of protection and prosperity.