Lalyang locals live under constant fear of landslides

By Radha Krishna Dhume,Waling, July 20: Locals of Lalyang in Waling Municipality-3, Syangja are distressed by the threat of possible landslides during each rainy season. Their village is at high risk of landslides as the tunnel of the Butwal Power Company runs through their village.

Local Lildev Bhattarai said, “The continuous rain has added to our troubles. We take turns while sleeping because we never know when a landslide hits the village." This year's rain has damaged Liladev's house so he is staying at his neighbour's house.

The tunnel of Butwal Power Company (BPC) lies below the village and an irrigation canal above it. The BPC powerhouse transports water through this village to Palpa’s Heklang.

The persistent fear of landslides has tormented the locals. Resident Yuvraj Bhattarai says, “At night, the villagers sleep alternately during the rainy season. It's been years since we have been living under constant threat, and nobody cares.”

 Lalyang consists of 57 families, while 400 families live in the entire village. The villagers want to migrate to a safer place due to the enduring landslide threat.

The municipality is trying everything it can for the safety of the villagers, said Guru Prasad Bhattarai, the Mayor of Waling Municipality. Villagers have urged for the proper management of the 30-year-old tunnel. He said, “The municipality has continuously asked for help from the provincial government.” He blamed the provincial government for not considering their concerns while selecting development programmes.

In the meantime, the Chief District Officer of Syangja, Sunita Nepal and her team visited the village. The team, along with land specialists, surveyed the area. They are finding a way out to resolve this issue, said Mayor Bhattarai.